Brannigan’s in June. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi; click to enlarge)
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
A handful of 20-year-olds were arrested for trying to get into a Red Bank bar illegally last week, police said.
With the cooperation of staff at Brannigan’s, police arrested five people three from Middletown with fake driver’s licenses who were trying to get into the Wharf Avenue bar, Captain Darren McConnell said.
The following people, all 20 years old, were arrested and charged with purposely misrepresenting their age to enter a liquor establishment and misstating age for purchase of alcohol while underage: Victoria Ruta, of Middletown; Laura Natale, of Middletown; Ashley Bisson, of Middletown; Arielle Tighe, of Bridgewater; and John Kelly, of Oceanport.
If convicted, they face a minimum $500 fine and a six-month driving suspension, McConnell said.
The operation occurred Thursday, a typically busy night during the summer when the bar, offering $1 drafts, draws hordes of young and college-aged men and women. Police and bar employees agreed beforehand to focus on arresting anyone trying to enter the bar illegally, McConnell said.
