WEST PEORIA, Ill. – A West Peoria liquor store has been punished after being caught selling alcohol to minors.
The city’s liquor commission on Thursday ruled that West Peoria Liquors must pay a one-thousand dollar fine, and cannot sell alcohol for 48 hours next month, starting at noon on May 1st.
The punishment comes after the store was cited by the sheriff’s office last month for selling alcohol to minors.
Mayor James Dillon, who also serves as the Liquor Commissioner, is hopeful the shut down sends a message.
“People have pled guilty and paid fines, and it didn’t solve the problem, because it continued” Dillon said. “So we’re helping the combination of the two solves the problem. Because it’s not good for the city, and it’s not good for the business, to have that type of reputation.”
Dillon says the meeting included testimony from the officers involved in the sting, as well as the owner admitted guilt through its attorneys. He says the owners wanted two different days, and notes the owners have implemented identification card reading measures to try and crack down on underage selling.
Dillon says the owners will also not appeal its punishment.
West Peoria Liquors changed ownership in January, and was previously known as Express Liquors. The owners of Express Liquors had faced numerous fines and had its liquor license revoked.
