The Trump Organization has criticized New Jersey officials’ decision not to timely renew its liquor license as “unjust,” pointing to former President Trump’s guilty conviction in New York v. Trump.
A Trump Organization spokesman said in June that rumors of such a move ignore the fact that Trump personally does not hold any liquor licenses in New York state.
Trenton officials noted that people convicted of crimes involving “moral turpitude” are prohibited from peddling alcohol.
On Tuesday, Fox News Digital obtained two letters sent by Kirsten Krueger, interim director of the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverage Control, to Trump properties in Bedminster and Colts Neck informing Trump Organization Executive Vice President Donald Trump Jr. of an upcoming renewal hearing.
In response, a Trump Organization spokesman repeated the assertion made in June, adding that the licenses affect many people beyond just the Trump family and also bolster Trenton’s coffers.
Trump Organization slams reports New Jersey may revoke liquor license after conviction: “He’s ‘not a licensee'”
Donald Trump drives a golf cart during the official pro-am tournament prior to the LIV Golf Invitational Series event at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty)
“These liquor licenses support the livelihoods of hundreds of hard-working New Jersey residents, including bartenders, waiters and waitresses, serve thousands of members and contribute millions of dollars to New Jersey’s revenue streams,” the spokesperson said.
“People rely on them for special events in their lives, such as weddings, baptisms, bar and bat mitzvahs, as well as charity efforts and events.”
“We sincerely hope that this investigation is not of a political nature and, taking into account the foregoing, we are confident that our licence will not be affected.”
The letter bolsters the state’s argument that Trump father still influences the case, even though his name is not on the document.
Bragg violated Trump’s Sixth Amendment rights: legal expert
New Jersey Attorney General Matt J. Platkin (AP Photo/Mike Catalini, File)
“Dear Mr. Trump Jr., the following notice of hearing is [Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)]”The Director has determined that a hearing is necessary to make a decision on the pending application,” the letter regarding Trump National Bedminster reads.
“The Agency has become aware of various public records containing facts that raise concerns about whether this licensee is still eligible to hold said license,” the letter continues.
The letter cited the same “moral turpitude” clause as reported in a June report on the matter and said Trump “has a direct interest in” three New Jersey liquor licenses.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Pine Hill, a community outside Camden where a third Trump Organization license is held, renewed its club’s certificate in June, but ABC said it falls under “full consumption” and appears to be different from the other two clubs in question.
Trump Organization officials are due to appear in Krueger Court in Trenton on July 19, a date that state officials noted comes after the July 11 ruling handed down by Trump in New York v. Trump.
“At such a hearing, the applicant will have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that it remains eligible to maintain its license, including by examination of the beneficiaries of the license,” the letter states.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office said in a statement that Trump will not be officially found guilty until the verdict is reached, so a trial cannot be scheduled before the 11th.
It also said beverage services in Bedminster and Colts Neck will be able to shake or stir under a “provisional” permit until the hearing date.
