Agency that regulates alcohol licenses looks into Lexington crash that killed Michigan family
The state agency that regulates alcohol licenses confirmed Tuesday that it is involved in the police investigation into a Jan. 6 DUI crash on Interstate 75 in Lexington that killed a Michigan family of five.
The state Department of Alcohol Beverage Control is assisting in the investigation of the crash in which a Georgetown man driving the wrong way on the interstate slammed into the family’s SUV.
The ABC investigates alleged violations of state alcohol laws, and its board can suspend or revoke businesses’ liquor licenses for violations.
“Because this is an ongoing investigation, ABC can only confirm that its investigators have been requested to assist in the investigation led by the Lexington Police Department,” wrote Susan West, spokeswoman for the Kentucky Public Protection and Labor Cabinet, in an email to the Herald-Leader. The ABC is a department of the cabinet.
“Because of the unique nature of any investigation, ABC cannot give a specific timeline as to when its investigation will be completed,” West wrote.
Issam Abbas, 42; Rima Abbas. 38; and their children Ali, 14; Isabella, 13; and Giselle, 7, died of blunt-force trauma and thermal injuries. The family was traveling home to Michigan from a Florida vacation.
Lexington police believe Bailey got onto the interstate from Paris Pike at exit 113 and drove south in the northbound lanes for about six miles. The crash occurred at about 2:30 a.m. Jan. 6. Police said last week they had not yet determined where Bailey had been before getting on the interstate or where he was going.
Bailey was also killed in the crash.
West wrote that ABC “is often called upon by local police agencies to lends its expertise to maximize emphasis on the enforcement of Kentucky’s alcohol laws.”
If a bar or restaurant had a role in Bailey’s drinking, the Alcohol Beverage Control Board could hold an administrative hearing to hear evidence and testimony. If violations are found, the board can suspend or revoke any license issued.
For example, the ABC Board said the SEC PUB & Grill off Harrodsburg Road should have its malt beverage drink license, a special Sunday retail drink license and a quota retail drink license suspended for 300 days or pay a $15,000 fine in the wake of a 2017 crash that killed two customers.
In that case, the ABC Board dismissed allegations that the bar had served patrons who appeared to be under the influence and that the bar had served a minor, but the board did find that that bar had not monitored the number of drinks each customer had been served and thus “created a hazardous condition and a risk to patrons.” The bar has appealed the board’s decision to Fayette Circuit Court.
This story was originally published January 22, 2019 at 1:35 PM.