ABSECON, NJ – In April, Governor Phil Murphy’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) henchmen paid a visit to Jim Falivene, owner of the Black Cat Bar and Grill in Absecon to lay down the “Murphy’s Law” against the owner. Falivene has operated the grill for 41 years. He also lives in the same building as his business. When the ABC came to enforce Murphy’s Law, their charge was that there was illegal indoor dining going on. The Black Cat Bar and Grill received a summons and a threat from the state to suspend their liquor license.
Last week, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal implicated Falivene in his weekly list of “lawbreakers” violating Murphy’s executive orders.
As absurd as it sounded, that weekend, protesters, looters and rioters were violating Murphy’s Law left in right in New Jersey, but now Attorney General Gurbir Grewal was cracking down on the restaurant.
“We’re cracking down on those who jeopardize public health and undermine public safety,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We have zero patience.”
“Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.“Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.”
In the end, it was a case of mistaken identity. Falivene actually lives in the same building, he’s the owner and he was having dinner, essentially in his home and his name was plastered all over the state’s website for being a violator of the COVID-19 business restrictions.
With that behind him, the Black Cat Bar is still open for business and this week, announced the reopening of the Black Cat patio, outdoor dinner seating, open from 12 noon to 8p pm.