New Jersey regulators have set a pivotal hearing for July 19th to determine the fate of liquor license renewals for two of former President Donald Trump’s golf clubs in the state. This decision follows Trump’s recent felony conviction in New York, which triggered legal scrutiny under New Jersey law barring individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude from holding liquor licenses.
In a significant legal development, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to an adult film actress before the 2016 election. Despite denying the alleged affair, the conviction marked a notable milestone as the first for a former U.S. president. This conviction prompted New Jersey’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to assess whether Trump’s involvement as a beneficiary of the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust would impact the golf clubs’ licenses.
The upcoming hearing will evaluate whether the liquor licenses for Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck and Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster can be renewed. According to New Jersey’s attorney general’s office, Trump’s direct beneficial interest in these licenses, through revenue and profit receipts from the trust, necessitates a review under state law.
During the hearing, the burden of proof lies with the applicant (the clubs) to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that they meet the qualifications for maintaining licensure. This includes a thorough review of any beneficiaries associated with the licenses.
Reacting to the scheduled hearing, a spokesperson for the Trump Organization criticized the decision as unjustified and unwarranted. The organization reiterated that Trump himself does not hold any liquor license in New Jersey and is not directly involved in the entities holding these licenses. They expressed confidence that the licenses would remain unaffected, provided the investigation remained apolitical.
As of now, temporary 90-day permits allow the clubs to continue selling liquor until the hearing concludes. The renewal of the liquor license for Trump’s third New Jersey golf course in Pine Hill has already been processed earlier in June, while the fate of the licenses for Colts Neck and Bedminster hangs in the balance pending the outcome of the hearing.
This development underscores the intersection of legal accountability and regulatory oversight, particularly in high-profile cases involving public figures. The outcome of the hearing on July 19th will likely have broader implications for how New Jersey’s regulatory framework navigates such complex legal and political terrain moving forward.
This story will continue to evolve as additional details emerge, shaping the ongoing narrative surrounding Trump’s legal challenges and their repercussions on his business ventures in New Jersey.
