Deadly Fire: Texas Liquor Store Surrenders License

December 15, 2011

A North Texas liquor store has agreed to surrender its license after being accused of selling vodka to a teen who later died with five friends in a fire.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on Monday said USA Liquor in Fort Worth will give up its alcohol permit March 4.

Investigators say alcohol consumption may have been a factor in preventing the victims from escaping the March 6, 2011, fire at a Granbury home during a birthday party.

TABC says that after the fire, two minors in undercover operations purchased booze at the same store.

Store owner James Joseph Buckley this fall was sentenced to a year of probation after pleading guilty in August to two charges of selling alcohol to a minor.