The state of New Jersey is currently reviewing whether Donald Trump’s recent convictions on 34 counts of business fraud violate a law that prohibits convicted felons from holding liquor licenses. The review specifically focuses on the liquor licenses held at Trump’s three golf clubs in New Jersey. While Trump’s spokespeople have claimed that the former president is not directly involved in holding the licenses, it is evident that he is the sole owner of the clubs that are under review.
For example, Trump’s ownership of the Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster is tied to a complex web of companies ultimately controlled by the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, of which he is the sole beneficiary. Similar ownership structures exist for the liquor licenses at Trump’s other golf clubs in New Jersey, as well as various other properties in California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia. New Jersey law prohibits individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude from having any interest in an Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) licensee.
The state attorney general’s office is currently conducting an inquiry into the ownership structures of these liquor licenses and whether they comply with state regulations. The ABC’s criteria for issuing or renewing a license includes the requirement that the applicant must be a reputable person with a character expected to operate the licensed business in a reputable manner. The agency also has the authority to consider whether an applicant may be ‘fronting’ for someone else who is disqualified from holding a license.
The oversight of Trump’s liquor licenses raises questions about his ability to continue operating the clubs if he is found to be in violation of state regulations. The Trump Organization, as well as Trump’s campaign, have not provided any further comments on the matter. However, a company spokesperson did defend the properties as being iconic and providing livelihoods for many hard-working Americans. The attorney general’s office has not provided any updates on the status of their inquiry into Trump’s liquor licenses.
As the review of Trump’s liquor licenses in New Jersey continues, it remains to be seen how the former president’s recent convictions on business fraud charges will impact his ability to hold these licenses. The complex ownership structure of the licenses, all ultimately tied to the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, raises questions about whether Trump’s involvement in the clubs violates state regulations prohibiting convicted felons from holding liquor licenses. The state attorney general’s office is closely examining the situation to determine if any further action needs to be taken regarding Trump’s ownership of these establishments.
