Veronica's Mexican Restaurant
It may be difficult to tell when a customer has had too much to drink, but an incident in Louisville, Kentucky on May 14, 2026 shows how important it is to at least try to identify customers who should not be driving.
A customer at Veronica’s Mexican Restaurant in Louisville was served alcohol and subsequently crashed her car, killing one of her passengers, a 19-year-old woman. The driver and another occupant were injured in the accident but survived.
The driver told police that she drank one margarita at Veronica’s. However, her blood alcohol level was double the limit for Kentucky. She was later arrested.
The consequences did not end with the driver and her passengers: The Louisville Metro Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) suspended Veronica’s liquor license.
"Emergency Suspension Orders are not issued lightly, but when circumstances are serious and warrant intervention, we have a responsibility to act," Louisville Metro ABC Director Brad Silveria said in a news release about the incident. "Public safety remains our highest priority, and ABC will continue to work to ensure alcohol is served responsibly and in accordance with Kentucky law."
In addition to the driver’s high blood alcohol content, the passenger who died in the accident – who was underage for drinking – also had a blood alcohol content more than twice the limit.
ABC officials said the investigation determined the women were overserved before leaving the restaurant. ABC Chief Investigator Ronald Fey said investigators are still examining whether staff knowingly served an underage customer or failed to check identification.
"In this instance, the deceased person was only 19 years of age and should not have had the ability to be served at that location and also to ensure that they are not over serving anybody. There there's a point in time where you would need to tell somebody that they need to take a break. Cut them off, whatever that is," said Fey. "It was clear to us through our investigation at this point that anybody, whether it be the person or anybody that was a patron in that location at the time, would have been able to clearly tell that these individuals were overserved and should not have been able to get behind the wheel of a vehicle."
The emergency suspension requires the business to take corrective action before it can regain its liquor license. If the restaurant fails to do so, the license could be revoked.
Comments from the Owners
Veronica's posted a statement on Facebook regarding the situation:
"First and most importantly, a young life was lost, and that is something no one should ever forget. Our hearts continue to go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
"What has been difficult is watching so many people reach conclusions before all of the facts have been presented. We have always cared about our community. This restaurant was not handed to us. It was built through years of hard work, long days, sacrifices, stress, and risks that many people never see behind the scenes.
"Like any other matter, there is a legal process in place to review the facts, hear all sides, and reach conclusions based on evidence. We believe that process should be allowed to run its course before judgment is passed.
"While our attorney was willing to speak publicly, not every detail or perspective has been shared. Because of the ongoing legal proceedings, we will not be discussing specific details publicly.
"Regardless of the attention, criticism, and speculation, we have continued showing up every day, working hard, creating jobs, serving our customers, and looking for ways to improve.
"To those asking why we continue to promote our restaurant and operate our business, the answer is simple: there are employees who depend on these jobs, families who depend on those paychecks, and people who have dedicated years of their lives to helping us grow. We have a responsibility to them, just as we do to our customers and our community.
"This will be the last time I speak publicly on this situation. The truth will come out through the proper process, not through Facebook comment sections.
"The people who truly know us know our hearts, know our work ethic, and know the kind of business we have always tried to be. We will continue learning, growing, improving, and moving forward.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us, prayed for us, reached out to us, and shown us kindness. Your support has meant more than words can express. We place our faith in God, and remain grateful for everyone who has stood by us during this difficult time. We will never forget it."