WEST PEORIA, Ill. – A West Peoria liquor store will not be allowed to sell liquor.
25 News reports Express Liquors on Western Avenue has lost its liquor license after compliance check failures, and after allegedly being connected to a fatal crash linked to alcohol sold to a minor from Express Liquors.
The crash in question occurred in February of 2022, which led to the death of Mia Dusek. Dusek was the passenger in a vehicle driven by then 16-year-old Clayton Bell.
Dusek’s mother, Deb Beaupre, testified that Express Liquors allegedly sold multiple 12-packs to a 17-year-old who gave the alcohol to other minors, including Bell.
A Peoria County Sheriff’s Office Detective also testified that a minor bought a six-pack of Bud Light without being carded, and the cashier admitting he did not check for an ID.
Express Liquors has reportedly failed four out of five compliance checks since 2020.
Lawyers for Express Liquors and owner Mohammad Mohammad offered a proposal to the liquor commission, where Mohammad would divest himself from the business.
The proposal also offered hiring professional security and off-duty police officers to follow laws, as well as firing all current employees and hiring new ones.
Sheriff Chris Watkins had recommended the liquor commission revoke Express Liquor’s license.
West Peoria Mayor James Dillon stated the city had not suspended a liquor license in the 30 years he’s been commissioner.
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