WORCESTER, Mass. – Owners of a now-closed Worcester restaurant were hoping to open under a new concept, but the city's license commission rejected their plan after a deadly car crash involved one of their customers who was served alcohol. 

The owners of Ju's Bar and Grill on Green Street met with the city's license commission Thursday to request a liquor license to reopen under the name Home of Flavors. 

A Worcester police sergeant with the city's alcohol enforcement unit said the female victim was served multiple drinks the night of Oct. 6, 2024, by a bartender who was not certified. 

"Video evidence showed that the victim was served five mixed drinks and four shots of alcohol in approximately five hours and 26 minutes," said Sgt. Thomas Needham. "Video evidence shows the victim unsteady and staggering around. Video evidence shows the victim collapsed to the floor to a seated position prior to leaving at 11:34. Approximately seven minutes after leaving the establishment, the victim was involved in a single motor vehicle accident resulting in her death."

The restaurant owners said they did all they could to help her. But ultimately, the commission said they failed in their responsibilities by not making sure their customer was safe.

The bar was also found in violation of its license in April when four underage people were found in possession of alcohol at the restaurant.