March 26, 2025
Alcohol service comes with responsibility—and when that responsibility is neglected, the consequences can be devastating. A recent case in Louisville, Kentucky is drawing public attention after a restaurant was accused of overserving a customer who was later charged in connection with a fatal DUI crash. While the case is still pending, it highlights a critical issue: Kentucky does not require statewide alcohol server training.
In this blog, we explore why responsible beverage service training is so important, the gaps in Kentucky’s current approach, and why making training both mandatory and affordable should be a priority to help protect businesses, staff, and the public.
A recent case out of Louisville, Kentucky is shining a spotlight on a major gap in alcohol server regulations.
A local restaurant is facing potential consequences after being accused of overserving a customer who is now accused of causing a deadly DUI crash. According to reports from WAVE News, Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) investigators allege that a man was served seven 32-ounce beers over the course of five hours, totaling more than 200 ounces of alcohol. That same night, the man was arrested and later charged with murder after a crash that resulted in a pedestrian’s death.
The incident is still under investigation, and the restaurant has not been found liable at this time. However, this case raises an important and urgent question: Shouldn’t all alcohol servers in Kentucky be required to complete training to recognize and prevent overservice?
Currently, the state of Kentucky does not mandate alcohol server training. The Server Training in Alcohol Regulations (STAR) program is offered by the Kentucky ABC, but it’s voluntary at the state level. The training costs $40, not including added fees for payment processing.
While some municipalities like Lexington-Fayette and Bowling Green have enacted local ordinances requiring training, this decentralized approach creates inconsistencies in how alcohol is served and monitored across the state.
Alcohol server training isn’t just about following rules—it’s about preventing harm. When servers are properly trained, they’re more likely to:
Recognize visible signs of intoxication
Avoid serving to minors or obviously impaired individuals
Understand liability risks and how to protect themselves and their employers
Take action to prevent unsafe situations before they escalate
Training empowers servers to make informed decisions in the moment—something that may have made a difference in the case now under review in Louisville.
At over $40 per person, Kentucky’s STAR training can be a burden for hourly workers and small businesses. Meanwhile, in other states, similar state-approved courses are offered for as little as $7.95 through platforms like LIQUORexam.com.
If we want to make responsible alcohol service the norm, the training must be both required and affordable.
The Louisville case is tragic, no matter the legal outcome. While guilt or liability is yet to be determined, the events leading up to the crash suggest that more could have been done to prevent overservice.
Kentucky has the tools. The training exists. But until it’s made mandatory and reasonably priced, too many businesses will skip it, and the risks will remain.
It’s time to move beyond recommendations. For the safety of our communities, Kentucky should mandate affordable alcohol server training statewide.
Read the full news story from WAVE News:
Louisville restaurant accused of overserving customer on night of deadly DUI crash
