TRENTON, N.J. — The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has reached a $1.2 million settlement with six liquor licensees linked to the Buy Rite franchise, resolving violations of New Jersey’s two-license ownership limit.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Friday that the licensees entered no-contest pleas after an investigation found that three individuals—Arjun Bathena, Adythia Bathena, and Vimalakar Bathena—held undisclosed interests in multiple licenses through a joint management company. New Jersey law restricts individuals from having direct or indirect control over more than two plenary retail licenses to maintain transparency and prevent monopolistic practices.
Under the settlement, the licensees avoided suspensions of up to 210 days by agreeing to financial penalties. Vimalakar Bathena must sell his interests in two licenses, and he, along with Bathena Holding Company, is prohibited from managing any other liquor licenses in which they do not have a direct and disclosed ownership stake.
“Holding a liquor license carries certain requirements in exchange for the business of selling alcohol. Being truthful about who has a direct or indirect interest in the license is one of those requirements,” Platkin said. “Our regulations prevent monopolistic practices and create a level playing field.”
Despite the penalties, the affected stores may continue using the Buy Rite name under existing franchise agreements. Another store, Buy Rite of Union City, transferred its license during negotiations, leading to the dismissal of the state’s case against it.