MARBLEHEAD — An apparently drunken patron has forced the Hurricane Restaurant and Bar to a Dec. 10 hearing before the selectmen.
Officials fear the man was "overserved," given enough drinks to reach a state of dangerous intoxication.
According to the police report, Patrolman Michael Daigle spotted the individual walking unsteadily on Nov. 9 at approximately 10:30 p.m.
"He approached the man," said Town Counsel Jeff Shribman. After Daigle observed him closely, "he was taken into protective custody." Later, at police headquarters, it was determined that the man, whose name is being withheld, was drunk.
"His speech was thick," Shribman said. "He gave off a strong odor of alcohol. His eyes were glassy. ... He had difficulty standing. He was swaying." The man assured police that he was not taking any medication, nor was he injured or otherwise disabled.
He also admitted to drinking at the Hurricane, in the upper downtown. He declined to say how much drinking he'd done. Further, he refused a blood test or a Breathalyzer. The man was not arrested.
Police subsequently visited the Hurricane, where the bartender confirmed that the man in custody had been a customer, but added that he had been given only two cocktails.
"People should be prepared to defend and to speak out on this issue," said Selectman Bill Woodfin of the upcoming hearing.
"This doesn't mean that we have to revoke the (liquor) license," added member Harry Christensen, "but we have an obligation to make sure the people of the town are safe."
For his part, Shribman stressed that the town has not yet made any determination of fault.
"The selectmen will have a hearing." Despite the lack of a blood test or Breathalyzer, he added, the police report indicated that his intoxication was "obvious."
Hurricane management did not respond to a phone call for comment.
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