Calls for Brigantine Councilman Dominic “Tony” Pullella to step down fell on deaf ears Wednesday after the representative announced he will not resign from his City Council seat.
The public and Brigantine Mayor Phil Guenther urged Pullella to resign after his business -- Laguna Grill and Martini Bar -- was cited for serving cheap vodka to customers who paid for premium liquor.
The Press of Atlantic City says the democrat told the public during a City Council meeting on Wednesday that he does not think the violation affects his ability to serve the community of Brigantine.
"I have decided to stay on in my capacity as councilman-at-large and fulfill my duties for which I was elected," the paper quoted Pullella as saying during the 3 hour meeting. "I will continue the hard work of representing all the taxpayers of Brigantine as I have for the past three years."
The state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control busted the bar on Dec. 12 after anonymous tips led investigators to the bar's inventory room. That’s where Tony Pullella’s sister, Maria Pullella, allegedly poured Burnett’s flavored vodka into Three Olives flavored vodka bottles and poured Absolut vodka into Ketel One and Stolichnaya bottles.
