Trump’s Re-Election Doesn’t Stop New Jersey’s Battle Over Liquor Licenses at His Golf Courses, Yet

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1 min read
November 6, 2024

Despite Donald Trump’s recent re-election as president, New Jersey isn’t budging on its mission to potentially revoke liquor licenses at three of his golf properties across the state. The state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control announced it’s moving forward with hearings on whether two of Trump’s golf courses—located in Bedminster and Colts Neck—will retain their licenses after his conviction on felony charges earlier this year. These felony convictions, involving business record allegations, trigger a legal clause that could disqualify Trump from holding liquor licenses in New Jersey due to “moral turpitude” provisions under state law.

So far, New Jersey officials haven’t shown signs of backing down. Although the licenses were not renewed outright, state regulators have issued temporary 90-day permits for both clubs, allowing them to continue serving alcohol until a July hearing in Trenton. During this hearing, state authorities will evaluate Trump’s eligibility for the licenses based on his recent felony status and his beneficial ownership of the golf properties through a family trust.

Meanwhile, Trump’s team has pushed back, calling the state’s actions politically driven and defending the licenses as essential for local employment and business activity. However, New Jersey’s stance remains firm, and it’s clear that his recent re-election isn’t swaying the state’s regulatory decisions.

A third Trump property in Pine Hill has managed to retain its liquor license without intervention, but all eyes are now on the July hearing that could set the tone for future regulatory scrutiny of Trump-owned businesses in New Jersey. For now, Trump’s re-election hasn’t altered the state’s course, leaving a high-profile legal showdown on the horizon.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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