One popular Hoboken bar lost their liquor license, while four other will also be suspended during the annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed bar crawl, LepreCon, as the result of hearings in front of the local Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
1Republik, located at 221 Washington St., will be closed during Leprecon (March 3rd), will begin serving a 30-day suspension as of May 21st and will close permanently thereafter pending the transfer of their liquor license to a new owner, according to city spokesman Juan Melli.
Additionally, Hoboken Bar and Grill will serve a 30-day suspension, starting today, while Green Rock Tap and Grill was issued a 20-day suspension.
Furthermore, Mill’s Tavern was penalized with a 24-day suspension, while the Shannon received a two-day suspension that will be served on March 3rd and March 4th.
“This represents a major accomplishment in fulfilling my commitment on Inauguration Day to address this public safety nuisance,†Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“The vast majority of bar owners are responsible license holders, but a very small number of establishments have failed to adequately control their patrons and the activities within their premises, leading to severe public safety issues.”
Bhalla further stated that the State of New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Alcohol Beverage Control has agreed to send 12 to 14 State ABC detectives to Hoboken on March 3rd.
Along with Hoboken Police ABC detectives, they will be monitoring establishments to ensure compliance with all ABC regulations, including not admitting underage guests, not overserving patrons, not exceeding capacity – among other health and security regulations.
“I am extremely thankful to New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and its ABC Division Director David P. Rible for his partnership in protecting the public safety and quality of life of our community,†added Bhalla.
Last month, the new mayor unveiled a Public Safety Task Force, whose main goal is to curtail unruly bar crawls in the city.
At the subsequent city council meeting, some bar owners expressed frustration with the new task force and likely regulation changes.