LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control has launched a new “look-back” initiative aimed at holding servers and establishments accountable when patrons they over-serve go on to drive drunk — especially when those nights end in tragedy.
Under the program, ABC investigators retrace a DUI offender’s steps to determine where they’d been served or sold alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Chief Ronald Fey said the agency has opened several investigations into bars, restaurants and other businesses linked to fatal crashes.
“Any of the establishments that serve or sell alcohol has a responsibility to ensure that they are not over-serving someone, allowing them to leave,” Fey said. “Our detectives at ABC are able to look back and determine where that person had consumed the alcohol.”
Ashley Martinez died at 23 years old after a drunk driver hit her.
The push follows too many heartbreaking cases — including that of 23-year-old Ashley Martinez. In April 2012, Martinez was driving home on Hurstbourne Lane when a wrong-way drunk driver without headlights plowed into her car, killing her instantly.
“My daughter’s name was Ashley, and she was 23 years old,” said Theresa Martinez, Ashley’s mother. “She was coming home from a friend’s house.”
The driver, who also tested positive for marijuana and cocaine, took a plea deal and received an 18-year sentence. Theresa Martinez filed a civil lawsuit against the establishment that served him but lost.
“I wanted the establishment where he was at that maybe overserved him to be held responsible,” she said.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has praised ABC’s move.
Michelle Holt, MADD’s Kentucky program manager, said the initiative could save lives by putting pressure on businesses to comply with serving laws.
“Each time someone drinks or drinks and drives and gets behind the wheel, we are devastated,” Holt said. “If people can make the choice to get that Uber or that Lyft or have a designated driver, we’re fine with that.”
ABC has also begun offering training for servers and managers who want to ensure they’re following best practices. Fey said the additional enforcement is nothing new, but the agency is now moving at a “much more rapid pace” in the interest of community safety.
“Because, again, community — the safety of the community is what we’re out for,” he said.
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