Bootleggers busted for selling unlicensed booze in new jersey

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey officials announced enforcement actions Wednesday against nine out-of-state retailers for allegedly selling and shipping alcohol into the state without a license, in violation of consumer protection and alcoholic beverage control laws.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs said the actions stemmed from an undercover investigation launched in 2023 targeting businesses suspected of bypassing New Jersey’s licensing requirements for alcohol sales.

“Whether in-state or out-of-state, retailers selling alcohol beverages to consumers in New Jersey must abide by the laws that help ensure lawful and proper practices in the industry,” Platkin said in a statement.

The Division of Consumer Affairs and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control worked jointly to identify and investigate the retailers. A state investigator, posing as a consumer, placed orders for wine and spirits on websites run by the businesses. All nine retailers allegedly shipped products into New Jersey without holding the required license.

Two retailers — Station Plaza Wine & Spirits of New York and Pike’s Wine & Liquors, also based in New York — received formal Notices of Violation and face potential penalties of $4,000 each. The remaining seven businesses agreed to cease unlicensed sales and pay $2,000 civil penalties under consent orders.

The named retailers include:

102 Kraft Wines, Inc. d/b/a Station Plaza Wine & Spirits (NY)
Big Derby Distilling Company d/b/a Copperworks Distilling Company (WA)
Hillside Winery, Inc. a/k/a Mill Bridge Winery (TN)
Jackson Hole Winery, LLC (WY)
Northeast Wine Development, LLC d/b/a All-Star Wines & Spirits (NY)
H.A.J. Inc. d/b/a Sussex Wine & Spirits (NY)
Robomar, Inc. d/b/a Pike’s Wine & Liquors (NY)
Szkutak Wine Ventures, LLC d/b/a Samsara Wine Co. (CA)
A Tribute to Grace Wine Company, LLC (CA)

Officials emphasized that New Jersey’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act requires all alcohol retailers selling to New Jersey consumers to be licensed. Violations of this law also constitute violations of the state’s Consumer Fraud Act.

“By taking action against these retailers, the Division is sending a message that we are prepared to use the CFA to protect consumers and hold accountable businesses operating without regard for the laws of our state,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

The state said enforcement efforts aim to deter unlawful shipments, protect consumers from potentially unsafe alcohol, and prevent sales to underage buyers.

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