New Jersey regulators have scheduled a hearing on July 19 to determine the renewal of liquor licenses for two of former President Donald Trump’s golf clubs following his felony conviction in New York. According to a spokesperson from the New Jersey attorney general’s office, state law prohibits individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude from holding liquor licenses.
In May, Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in a New York court, making him the first former US president to be convicted of a felony. Prosecutors alleged that he falsified records to conceal a payment made to an adult film actress to prevent her from disclosing an alleged affair with Trump before the 2016 election, a claim Trump has denied.
The upcoming hearing in New Jersey will take place after Trump's sentencing in New York on July 11. Regulators will assess whether the liquor licenses for the golf courses in Colts Neck and Bedminster can be legally renewed. The Trump Organization has been contacted for comment.
The attorney general’s office spokesperson stated that Trump maintains a direct beneficial interest in the three liquor licenses through the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, as the sole beneficiary. The current liquor licenses for the Colts Neck and Bedminster golf courses are set to expire, but the clubs will be permitted to sell liquor under a temporary 90-day permit until the hearing.
During the hearing, the burden of proof lies with the applicant to demonstrate by a preponderance of evidence that they are still qualified to hold the licenses, including a review of any beneficiaries. The liquor license for Trump’s third New Jersey golf course in Pine Hill was renewed on June 3, with the status of that license pending the outcome of the hearing for the Colts Neck and Lamington Farm Club licenses.
