In a development that could impact operations at two of former president Donald Trump's golf clubs, New Jersey regulators have scheduled a July 19 hearing to decide on the renewal of liquor licenses for these properties. This move comes in the wake of Trump's recent felony conviction in New York.
The hearing, set just over a week after Trump's scheduled sentencing in New York on July 11, will focus on the golf courses in Colts Neck and Bedminster. At issue is a New Jersey law that prohibits individuals convicted of crimes "involving moral turpitude" from holding liquor licenses, according to a spokesperson from the New Jersey attorney general's office.
Trump's legal troubles stem from his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records in a New York court, marking him as the first former US president to be convicted of a felony. Prosecutors alleged that these falsifications were aimed at concealing a payment to an adult film actress to prevent her from speaking about an alleged affair with Trump before the 2016 election. Trump has consistently denied the affair.
The attorney general's office spokesperson stated, "A review by ABC [Alcohol Beverage Control] indicates that Mr. Trump maintains a direct beneficial interest in the three liquor licenses through the receipt of revenues and profits from them, as the sole beneficiary of the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust."
However, the Trump Organization has pushed back against the scrutiny. A spokesperson for the organization told CNN, "As previously stated, President Trump is not the holder of any liquor license in New Jersey, and he is not an officer, director, or operator of any entity that holds a liquor license in New Jersey." They added, "We sincerely hope that this investigation is not political in nature, and given the foregoing, we feel confident that our licenses will remain unaffected."
The liquor licenses for the Colts Neck and Bedminster golf courses are set to expire on Sunday. Until the hearing, the clubs will be permitted to sell alcohol under a state-issued temporary 90-day permit, the attorney general's office spokesperson confirmed to CNN.
During the upcoming hearing, "the applicant bears the burden of proof to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that they remain qualified to maintain licensure, which includes a review of any beneficiaries of the licenses," the spokesperson explained.
It's worth noting that the liquor license for Trump's third New Jersey golf course in Pine Hill was renewed on June 3. However, the ABC has declined further comment on the status of that license pending the outcome of the hearing for the Colts Neck and Lamington Farm Club licenses.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights the potential far-reaching consequences of Trump's legal challenges on his business interests. The outcome of the July 19 hearing could have significant implications for the operation of these high-profile golf clubs in New Jersey.
