The New Jersey Attorney General’s office is investigating the impact of Donald Trump’s recent criminal conviction on liquor licenses held at three Trump Golf locations in the state. These golf courses include the Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck, Trump National Golf Club – Bedminster, and Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia. State law prohibits individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude from holding a liquor license, and Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments may impact the licenses at these properties.
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records in May related to hush money payments made to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to cover up an alleged affair with Stormy Daniels. The payments were disguised as legal expenses and spread across 2017. Trump denies the allegations and is expected to appeal the conviction. Despite the convictions, Trump Organization has stated that Trump himself is not the holder of the liquor licenses for these properties.
New Jersey liquor laws require license holders to be of reputable character and bar those with convictions involving moral turpitude. The state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control provides guidelines for assessing the character and history of license applicants, taking into account factors such as disorderly persons offenses and organized crime connections. Before Trump took office as president in 2017, he made changes to the ownership structure of the Trump National Golf Club – Bedminster, transferring control to his revocable trust and appointing his son, Donald Trump Jr., as trustee.
The investigation into the impact of Trump’s conviction on liquor licenses at these golf courses may have implications for the thousands of employees who rely on these properties for their livelihoods. The Trump Organization has expressed concerns about the negative effects of such reports on the iconic properties, emphasizing the importance of supporting hard-working Americans who work at these locations. The Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey has a notable history of hosting major events, such as the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open.
In light of the legal requirements for liquor license holders in New Jersey, the Attorney General’s office is reviewing the situation to ensure compliance with state regulations. The investigation will likely consider factors such as Trump’s criminal conviction, the ownership structure of the golf clubs, and any potential impacts on the businesses and employees. It remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold and what actions may be taken regarding the liquor licenses at these Trump Golf locations in New Jersey.
