Point Beach Allows Martell’s to Continue Serving Alcohol

Despite objections from Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Vincent Barrella, the Borough Council voted 5-0 in favor of renewing the liquor license for Martell's Tiki Bar for another year Tuesday night.

Barrella voiced concerns about the vote sending the wrong message to people outside Ocean County, in the wake of a fatal accident two years ago.

A lawsuit accused bartenders of continuing to serve a woman who became intoxicated and later illegally took the wrong vehicle from a  Martell's parking lot and struck another vehicle on Route 18 in Old Bridge on August 16, 2013.

Ashley Chieco, 26, of Bergen County, was killed. The other driver was seriously injured. Police said Chieco's alcohol level was more than double the legal limit when she drove the wrong way on the highway.

Barrella told NJ.com, "Point Pleasant needs to care about this stuff. We need to care even though the young lady was not from here."

The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control and Martell's agreed to a one-month license suspension that will take effect this fall, following a 19-month investigation.

The bar has assured the council that measures have been taken to prohibit over-serving of patrons and to prevent underage drinking.