A Hamptons designated-driver service has partnered with a local legal eagle who specializes in DWI cases to promote its services.
But some local cops aren’t happy about the partnership.
Main Street Drivers CEO James Hirtenstein has partnered with defense attorney Eddie Burke Jr. — who defended Nets coach Jason Kidd after his 2012 drunken-driving arrest.
To promote the service with a sense of humor to hook customers, Main Street mounted signs on bikes and carts around the Hamptons, with taglines like, “Hire a Sober Driver Tonight, not a Good Criminal Defense Attorney Tomorrow,” and “Hire Main Street Drivers Tonight So You Don’t Have to Hire Eddie Burke Jr. Tomorrow.”
The campaign was cleared with local officials, but some cops have objected.
Sources said a member of the East Hampton Village police contacted the car service to say the promotion violates “a town code,” without specifying which one.
Hirtenstein told us of the arrangement with Burke: “A lot of his clients have had drunk[en]-driving issues, and those that have he’s referred to me.” Burke added chaotic holiday weekends and “sobriety checkpoints” result in an uptick in arrests, but “what I see out here is the conscious effort of a lot of people, taking that diligent step in securing James’ firm and others.”
Main Street books about 60 rides a weekend, including driving customers in their own vehicle.