Liquor License Renewed Despite State Probe

A number of liquor licenses were recently renewed by the township council — despite one slight concern about the state of an investigation into liquor sales at Ruby Tuesday.

Councilman Matthew Moench questioned whether the state's Operation Swill would affect approving the license for Ruby Tuesday, which is the only restaurant in Bridgewater that is part of the investigation.

More than 1,000 bottles of booze were seized from 29 New Jersey bars by more than 100 state agents recently at the conclusion of “Operation Swill,’’ authorities have said.

The investigation alleges that the bars and restaurants — Bridgewater’s Ruby Tuesday’s among them — filled premium alcoholic beverage bottles with cheaper alcohol in an attempt to fool customers and increase profits, authorities have said.

Customers paid for the premium brand, but were instead poured a non-premium substitute, authorities said.

The investigation is currently underway.

But township attorney William Savo said the investigation should not hinder the renewal.

“Nothing should prohibit you from moving forward with the renewal of the license,” he said. “If something happens [with the investigation], you can decide if penalties should be forthcoming.”

The council approved the following liquor license renewals:

Renewal of Club Liquor Licenses

• Fraternal Order of Eagles

• Somerville Lodge of Elks, Post #1068

• Raritan Valley Country Club

• Gerald Abrego Post #327—American Legion

Renewal of Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor Licenses

• TGI Friday’s

• Fuddruckers, Inc.

• Chimney Rock Inn

• McCormick & Schmick

Renewal of Plenary Retail Distribution Liquor Licenses

• Squires Corner Liquors, Inc. t/a Spirits of the Valley

Renewal of Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License Hotel/Motel Exception

• Day’s Inn of Bridgewater

Renewal of Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License Broad Package Privilege

• La Catena 22

Plenary Retail Consumption With Special Conditions

• Café Emilia

• Bridgewater Marriott Hotel

• Mish-J.O. Investment Corp. t/a Green Knoll Grille