Man Charged With Drunken Driving After Crashing His Car Into the Irish Pub in Atlantic City

One customer suffered a minor injury and an Atlantic City institution suffered severe damage after a Pleasantville man crashed into the Irish Pub in Atlantic City on Sunday, The Press of Atlantic City reports.

Donald Preston Jr., 50, crashed into the pub after being denied service because he already too drunk, according to the report. He was charged with drunken driving Monday morning.

After being refused service, Preston got into an SUV parked outside St. James Place after exiting the bar at 2:30 p.m., according to the report. He drove his car into the pub, breaking a main wall that supports the bar.

The customer who suffered minor injuries refused treatment at the scene, according to the report.

The bar is closed for repairs, but isn’t expected to be shuttered for long, according to the report. It is the first time it’s been closed since Hurricane Sandy.

The building was constructed in the early 20th century, and was known as Elwood Hotel, according to the report. It served as a speakeasy during prohibition, and has been owned by Richard and Cathy Burke since 1972.