4 South Jersey Bars Could Have Their Liquor License Suspended

COVID-19 violations at a time where there's been a significant rise in positive cases in the Garden State could mean a group of bars in South Jersey face suspension of their liquor license.

The New Jersey state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control recently launched a campaign to make sure dining establishments were following Governor Phil Murphy's most recent orders, which attempt to flatten the curve of this recent surge of coronavirus.

The infractions relate to 814 South Pub & Kitchen in Somerdale, 30 Strikes in Statford, Jalapenos Bar and Grill in Gloucester City, and B&B Saloon in Atlantic City, NJ.com reports.

814 South Pub on White Horse Pike could lose their liquor license for 25 days after being cited for violating the state-mandated 10 p.m. curfew, social distancing, and face mask requirements.

30 Strikes on White Horse Pike in Stratford also violated the 10 p.m. curfew, and could lose their liquor license for 10 days.

Jalapenos on Jersey Ave. in Gloucester City reportedly allowed customers to sit at the bar, and was given a second citation for failing to enforce social distancing. Officials are seeking a 20-day suspension of their liquor license.

The most severe of penalties among the four establishments affects B&B Saloon on Arctic Ave. in AC. There, patrons were also permitted to sit at the bar. The bar did not enforce social distancing or masks, and reportedly exceeded occupancy limits, according to NJ.com. But more serious violations include hindering an inspection and employing a 'criminally disqualified individual'. B&B could lose their liquor license for up to 115 days for the offenses.

In a press briefing Friday, Governor Murphy stated he plans to keep indoor dining capacity to 25 percent as well as the 10 p.m. curfew, and strict enforcement of those requirements will continue.

“Let these charges send a perfectly clear signal to any bar or restaurant owner who thinks that the rules don’t apply to them – this will happen to you,” Murphy said. “Our job is to protect both public health and our economy...and there are countless restaurant owners and managers doing the right things each and every day to help us live up to this mantra."

SOURCES: Governor Phil Murphy/Facebook; NJ.com

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