Now, a second, separate hearing over the future of beer sales in Whiteclay will be scheduled, likely May 2 or May 3, to decide whether the new allegations are valid and whether the stores’ licenses should be suspended, canceled or revoked.

The citations represent a stepped-up effort by the state to ensure that the Whiteclay outlets are following all state laws.

For almost two decades, activists have sought to close down the Whiteclay stores, saying they fuel problems on the reservation. Store owners and others, meanwhile, say they run lawful businesses and that closing them down will not stop alcoholism.

An activist who has long sought tougher liquor law enforcement in Whiteclay said he was “floored” by the new developments.

“If they’re true, they will effectively be the death knell for these four stores,” said John Maisch, an Oklahoma attorney who used to be involved in liquor enforcement in that state and is a filmmaker who produced a documentary about Whiteclay.

Bob Batt, the chairman of the liquor commission, declined to comment when reached Tuesday. That three-person board, whose members are appointed by the governor, will act as judges to determine whether liquor sales should continue in Whiteclay, so it would be inappropriate to comment, Batt said.