Victims’ family pleased bars held to account
Lou Van de Vorst, whose son, daughter-inlaw and two grandchildren were killed by a drunk driver, applauds a move by the province’s insurance company to hold bars more accountable.
He said he’s pleased SGI filed lawsuits against two Saskatoon bars that served alcohol to Catherine McKay on the night she drove drunk and crashed into his son’s minivan in 2016.
The crashed killed Jordan, Chanda, Kamryn and Miguire Van de Vorst.
On Wednesday, SGI announced it reached out of court settlements with MCDE Holdings, the company that operated the Crackers Licensed Cocktail & Dining Room at the time, and Industrial Kitchen and Lounge Corporation.
McKay pleaded guilty to four counts of drunk driving causing death and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. During her criminal case, court heard her blood-alcohol concentration was nearly three times the legal limit.
Court also heard that McKay was served alcohol at both bars and staff knew she was intoxicated.
“It comes down to people taking responsibility for their actions and people also taking responsibility for those around them,” Van de Vorst said.
“When people leave a bar or come to a bar and they ’re already intoxicated, should the bars be serving them liquor?”
It comes down to people taking responsibility for their actions and people also taking responsibility for those around them.
Details of the settlement with SGI were not released.
Van de Vorst said he doesn’t need figures to know it sends a message.
“(SGI) held the bars accountable for their part in the whole accident,” he said.
“I’m happy with it.”
Jim Bence, CEO of the Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association, said the industry is eager to understand how the lawsuits against the bars were resolved.
Bence said mandatory training on legal serving responsibilities has already been in place for owners and managers handling alcohol in Saskatchewan for the last two years.
“They do understand, now more than ever, the responsibility is on them.”
In July, the Serving It Right online course will be mandatory for anyone who handles alcohol, including servers.