Arrest might lead to restaurant suspension

Seven months after the manager of a Morris Township restaurant called police to remove an unruly patron, the restaurant owner faces a 15-day suspension because his establishment served alcohol to an already intoxicated customer.

Michael Romanelli, the owner of Tiffany's Restaurant on Speedwell Avenue, pleaded guilty to the charges before the township committee Wednesday night.

The incident occurred on March 17, St. Patrick's Day, when police were called to Tiffany's to remove a customer that had been harassing other patrons and refused to pay his tab, said Detective Lt. Kevin O'Shea.

Township police had to forcibly remove the patron from the bar. While in the back of the police car en route to headquarters, the man tried to spit at one of the officers, O'Shea said.

He was charged with disorderly conduct, aggravated assault and defiant trespassing.

Breathalyzer tests were not administered because the man was not driving, but interviews with the patron and restaurant employees revealed that the man had been drinking at Tiffany's for about five hours, leading authorities to believe his blood alcohol content was over 0.25.

Charges were subsequently filed against the restaurant. This was the third time since 2006 that Tiffany's had been charged with serving intoxicated patrons.

Speaking before the township committee Wednesday night, Romanelli said that he requires substantial training for employees to teach them how to handle intoxicated patrons and intervene if customers get too drunk.

"We educate our employees the best we can," he said, but added that some situations fall through the cracks. "It was St. Paddy's Day, and even that's no excuse for it."

The punishment for the offense is a 15-day suspension, but Romanelli may apply to the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to pay a fine in lieu of the suspension.

Sarah Schillaci is a reporter for the New Jersey Local News Service. She may be reached at sschillaci@njlns.com or (908) 243-6234....