NJ ABC Seeks to Revoke Liquor License for Trump’s Golf Course
According to reports, the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control in New Jersey issued a formal Notice of Charges to Trump National in Colts Neck, New Jersey. The basis for these charges date back to a 2015 incident involving the service of alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated patron who subsequently was involved a fatal motor vehicle accident. According to the Notice of Charges issued, the aggravating circumstances surrounding these charges have resulted in the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Enforcement Bureau, seeking revocation of the liquor license.
According to reports of the underlying criminal action, Andrew Hadler, of Woodcliff Lake, consumed enough alcohol to raise his blood alcohol concentration above the legal threshold of .08%. Andrew then operated a motor vehicle, with his father in the passenger seat, and was involved in a one car accident that resulted in the death of the passenger.
What is a Notice of Charges?
A Notice of Charges specifies the conduct of a licensee that gave rise to a violation of the law, as well as what penalty is being sought for the violation. As a licensee, Trump National must enter a Plea to the Notice of Charges within 30 days. Failure to respond to the Notice of Charges will result in the automatic entry of a non-vult plea and the imposition of suspension days proposed in the Notice of Charges. There are multiple options for Trump National to plead in response to these charges. Most commonly, licensees will plead “Not Guilty” and seek a formal hearing on the matter before the Office of Administrative Law. Conversely, a licensee may also enter a plea of “non-vult” which simply means that they wish to resolve the case uncontested but refrain from entering any plea of guilt.
What Happens if the Liquor License is Revoked?
If the license is revoked (or in this case the Special Permit for a Golf Facility), then Trump National will be prohibited from the from the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises. Moreover, the licensee and the officers, directors and each owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of the stock of a corporate licensee will be personally ineligible to hold or receive any other license. This means that Trump’s other golf courses in Pine Hill and Bedminster could be in trouble.
Defense Attorney for Liquor Licenses in New Jersey
Neither President Trump or Trump National in Colts Neck have issued any statement on this matter. However, it will be intriguing to see how the political power of a sitting president impacts a State Agency’s administrative prosecution. For more information on liquor licensing or ABC Charges, please contact our office at (732) 858-5857.
