Politics & Government
Liquor License Renewed Despite State Probe
Township attorney says council can decide on penalties in the future depending on outcome of state's Operation Swill investigation.
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.
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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.
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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
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Fraternal Order of Eagles
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Somerville Lodge of Elks, Post #1068
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Raritan Valley Country Club
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Gerald Abrego Post #327—American Legion
Renewal of Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor Licenses
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TGI Friday’s
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Fuddruckers, Inc.
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Chimney Rock Inn
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McCormick & Schmick
Club 21
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill
Ruby Tuesday, Inc
The Office at Bridgewater
California Pizza Kitchen, Inc
Houlihan’s
Martinsville Inn Caterers
McCarthy’s Bar & Grill
Maggiano’s Little Italy
The Cheesecake Factory
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Red Lobster
Top O’Th’ Hill Tavern
AMC Theatres of New Jersey
Bridgewater Manor, LLC
Arber Corp., t/a Fratelli’s Restaurant
Northwinds Corp. t/a The Redwood Inn
Renewal of Plenary Retail Distribution Liquor Licenses
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Squires Corner Liquors, Inc. t/a Spirits of the Valley
Elliott’s Home Beverages, Inc
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
Ramaram, Inc.
Renewal of Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License Hotel/Motel Exception
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Day’s Inn of Bridgewater
Summerfield Suites Hotel
Hilton Gardens Inn
Renewal of Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License Broad Package Privilege
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La Catena 22
Plenary Retail Consumption With Special Conditions
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Café Emilia
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Bridgewater Marriott Hotel
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Mish-J.O. Investment Corp. t/a Green Knoll Grille
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