LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A restaurant in Louisville's Hikes Point neighborhood could lose its liquor license after allegedly overserving a customer who hit and killed a pedestrian last fall.
A lengthy hearing before Louisville Metro Alcohol Beverage Control on Tuesday focused on Victoria Mexican Restaurant, which is located on Hike Lane near Klondike Lane.
Victor Dominguez (Oct. 29, 2024) Image courtesy Louisville Metro Corrections.
Louisville police testified Victor Dominquez, 36, consumed seven 32-ounce beers before getting behind the wheel on Oct. 29, 2024. He then hit and killed a person crossing the street on Breckinridge Lane near Interstate 264, police said.
Dominquez was arrested the night of the crash and, according to the citation, had a blood alcohol level of .202. He was indicted for murder in December 2024. He also faces charges of assault, wanton endangerment and operating a motor vehicle under the influence. He is scheduled back in court April 4.
During the ABC hearing Tuesday, officials questioned the role of the server who provided him alcohol that night.
"He wasn't served six but he was served seven 32-ounce Modelos that night, over a course of five, five-and-a-half hours," said Lashae Richie with the Jefferson County Attorney's Office. "He proceeded to leave and then he struck an individual. And that individual died."
The restaurant's owner testified she was out of the country at the time of the incident. She said she didn't hire or train the server, who has since left the restaurant.
"She went out of town for a funeral, and, when the cat is away, ... look at the suffering that resulted for families in this community because of what happened," said Matthew Lemme, an attorney representing Victoria Mexican Restaurant.
Authorities cited the restaurant for failing to keep proper records, selling alcohol to an intoxicated person and allowing disorderly conduct. Police also testified that employees were drinking while on the clock. While drinking at work is not illegal, failing to pay for those drinks is a violation.
The owner told the hearing officer that she typically deals with customers who have had too much to drink, but on the night in question, she was not present.
"That's a ridiculous amount of alcohol to have been served," Lemme said. "That's improper. That's inappropriate. That was wrong. That shouldn't have happened. It wouldn't have happened had she been there."
The case raises questions about whether employees are required to undergo training to recognize intoxicated patrons. While the state offers training, it is not mandatory.
"You don't have a right to an ABC license — it is a privilege," Richie said. "So ABC does not have to provide that training. ABC doesn't provide training because we're not required to, because it's a privilege."
The hearing continues as authorities determine what consequences, if any, the restaurant will face.
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