By Tiffany Williams –
CHELSEA, Mass. — The operators of Tribu Mexican Kitchen and Bar appeared before Massachusetts alcohol licensing regulators Tuesday as the restaurant fights to keep its liquor license following a fatal wrong-way crash that killed Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor earlier this year.
According to prosecutors, Herman Marrero left the restaurant on May 6 with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal driving limit before driving the wrong way on Route 1 and crashing into Trooper Kevin Trainor’s cruiser, killing both men.
No criminal charges have been filed against Tribu in connection with the crash.
The hearing before the state’s alcohol licensing commission focused on whether the restaurant violated the conditions of its liquor license.
State liquor license regulators testified that Tribu served Herman Marrero nine alcoholic drinks, including seven that were served after the restaurant’s authorized alcohol service hours.
Regulators also testified that Herman Marrero was not charged for those drinks.
According to the commission, Tribu is permitted to serve alcohol only during specific hours and is prohibited from allowing customers to drink for free.
During closing arguments, attorney Tracy Firicano, who represents Tribu, told regulators that the restaurant’s owners have taken corrective steps following the incident.
“They are hard workers. They learn from their experiences. They are responsible owners,” said Firicano. “They seek guidance that will assist them in assimilating any problems they have. They are very willing to take any or all measures to protect their customers.”
Trooper Kevin Trainor’s mother attended the hearing and later released a statement addressing the responsibilities that come with holding a liquor license.
“The privilege of holding a liquor license comes with the responsibility to protect the public by refusing to serve visibly intoxicated patrons.”
The Massachusetts alcohol licensing commission did not issue a decision Tuesday.
Regulators said a final determination is expected to take several weeks or possibly months.
The commission’s options include suspending the liquor license, revoking it, modifying its conditions or taking no action.