Lawyers for Liquor Licenses in Hudson County
Hoboken is home to some of New Jersey most popular bars and restaurants. With a young and vibrant community, liquor licenses in Hoboken have garnered a great deal of success as well as public scrutiny. Between events like SantaCon, LepreCon and the infamous Hub Hoboken incident, local politicians and law enforcement have placed bars, restaurants and liquor stores in the proverbial “cross-hairs”. For those individuals who own, manage or operate a liquor license in Hoboken, it is imperative that you remain vigilant regarding the operation of your license. You could be subject to investigation and charges by the local ABC Board or New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. If you have been issued a Notice of Charges, Suspension of your Liquor License, Subpoena, Demand for Testimony or Demand for Documents, contact the NJ ABC Liquor License Attorneys at Proetta, Oliver & Fay today.
What are NJ Liquor License Violations?
In New Jersey, liquor licenses are considered a “privilege” and not a “right”. Therefore, ownership of a bar, restaurant, club, liquor store, etc. is subject to strict rules and regulations under N.J.S.A. 33:1-1 et. seq. and N.J.A.C. 13:1-1 et. seq. These rules prohibit everything ranging from a Prohibited Promotion violation for offering “bottomless brunch” to having an Undisclosed Interest in a liquor license to Failing to Maintain Books of Accounting. Depending on the nature of your charges and the Detectives, Investigators and Deputy Attorney’s General prosecuting your case, you could be subject to penalties involving a 15-day suspension of your license or an immediate revocation of your liquor license. Each penalty is set forth under a regulatory “schedule” for a presumptive penalty that may be enhanced or decreased based on the aggravating and mitigating circumstances of your case. If you are being investigated by the Hoboken ABC Board, Hoboken NJ Police or the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, please contact our office for an immediate consultation with an ABC Lawyer today.
How to Buy/Sell a Liquor License in Hoboken NJ?
Obtaining a liquor license is not as easy as some may think. Most towns and cities have already reach their “quota cap” and cannot issue any new liquor licenses. Instead, you will have to find a individual or business that is selling an existing license. Assuming you have found both a license and a location, then you will need to thoroughly investigate the status of that license. This involves a certified disciplinary history, COD status, pending ABC investigations, qualifications for ownership and, ultimately, approval by the local municipal authority. This process takes time and may involve a background investigation by the police department into your personal and financial history. Depending on the location of the license, any “goodwill” involved in the sale, bulk product being transferred and any other commercial property being involved, the price to purchase a liquor license can vary drastically. Therefore, it is crucial that you have a qualified and experienced attorney involved in your Hoboken liquor license transfer.
Hoboken NJ ABC Lawyers
Our firm has a dedicated practice group to the area of Alcoholic Beverage Laws in New Jersey. Firm partner and head of our ABC Group is William C. Fay, IV, Esq. Mr. Fay is a former Deputy Attorney General with the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control in New Jersey. He is intimately familiar with all of New Jersey’s rules and regulations for liquor licenses and can provide you with the experience necessary to handle any matter with the Division of ABC. Whether you are being investigated by the authorities for possible ABC violations or if you are seeking to purchase, transfer of open a new liquor license business, Mr. Fay is able to assist you in this endeavor. For an immediate consultation with Mr. Fay, please contact our office today at 732-858-5857.