SAUGUS, MA — November 7, 2023 — Tribu Mexican Kitchen and Bar faces potential loss of its liquor license following serious allegations related to a fatal crash.
Tribu is required to appear before the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission today at 1:30 p.m. in Chelsea. This follows a notification from the Commission alleging multiple violations, including serving alcoholic beverages after hours and providing complimentary drinks.
The investigation by the Essex County District Attorney's Office revealed that Hernan Ramon Marrero, 50, consumed nine alcoholic drinks at Tribu over a three-and-a-half-hour period before crashing his Jeep head-on into Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor's cruiser on May 6, resulting in both fatalities.
Authorities confirmed that Marrero's blood alcohol content was 0.192, more than twice the legal limit.
The DA's office determined that criminal charges against the restaurant were not sustainable after a thorough review. However, losing its liquor license would significantly impact Tribu, as liquor sales account for over 20% of its total revenue.
Tribu's owner declined to comment and referred inquiries to his attorney.