Bellingham bars blamed for fatal drunk-driving crash

Bellingham bars blamed for fatal drunk-driving crash

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Story Published: Sep 6, 2007 at 11:57 PM PDT

Story Updated: Sep 6, 2007 at 11:57 PM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Some bars in this city are getting blamed for a crash that killed a 19-year-old man.

Police said Steven Rhone, Jr., 19, was left to die in the street after he was hit by a car on June 1.

Investigators said the driver, Damien Mackay and his girlfriend, Amanda Littrell, had too much to drink on the night of the accident. The two were arrested for investigation of hit and run.

The couple was reportedly over-served at the Horseshoe Café and Lounge, as well as Johnny's Restaurant.

Now the state Liquor Control Board is going after the bars for breaking the law and giving the two patrons too much to drink.

"We can't emphasize enough how important it is to be aware of over-service laws," said Thomas Dixon with the board. "It's important to keep our communities safe."

According to the over-service law, a customer who appears to be intoxicated can't be served or be in possession of a drink in a licensed establishment.

Both bars were slapped with a seven-day suspension.

Dixon said the bars should be held accountable.

"Absolutely, yes," he said.

But Rhones' parents told KOMO 4 News a seven-day suspension does little to ease their pain.

"I want justice to be served. I want them to pay for what they've done to my family," Steven Rhone Sr. said.

The bars have 20 days to respond to respond to the suspension letters. Otherwise, the suspensions will be enforced next month.

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