TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has filed an Order to Show Cause (OTSC) to indefinitely suspend the liquor licenses of four Trenton establishments owned by Gerald Araya. Araya was arrested last month on charges including kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault.
“We must ensure that licensed establishments do not further criminal activity and protect public health, safety, and welfare,” stated Attorney General Platkin. “The alleged criminal conduct by the licensee involves the restaurants and bars where he is privileged to serve alcohol. Today’s action aims to suspend those licenses to prevent further harm.”
The AG’s office also seeks to terminate liquor licenses belonging to businesses owned by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
ABC Interim Director Kirstin L. Krueger has requested a hearing for the licensees to appear. The establishments and their licenses are:
- Mill Hill Restaurant and Lounge, 300-302 South Broad Street (License No. 1111-33-137-007)
- El Catador Lounge and Restaurant, 965 New York Avenue (License No. 1111-33-124-009)
- Dubai Restaurant and Lounge, 931 New York Avenue (License No. 1111-33-219-015)
- Trenton Social, 449 South Broad Street (License No. 1111-33-078-007)
The OTSC is pursued by ABC’s Enforcement Bureau, which handles disciplinary actions against licensees violating ABC laws or regulations. Under New Jersey’s Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, alcohol licenses are a privilege, and the state must protect the public when the operation of a liquor license poses an immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare.
Gerald Araya, the exclusive owner of the four licenses, was arrested on June 19 and is awaiting trial on multiple counts, including six counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and one count of first-degree kidnapping. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting the case.
ABC argues that the four premises were involved in the alleged criminal activity, necessitating their immediate suspension to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare.
