KEARNY –
After 16 months of legal wrangling, The Gin Mill Tavern in Kearny has been forced to shut for liquor license violations … at least for 60 days.
But that temporary closure could be extended if the licensee is found guilty of new ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) charges that will be heard by the town governing body at a hearing slated for Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall chambers.
In the meantime, the tavern at Brighton and Afton Aves. remains closed for business through 2 a.m. on Dec. 22 after acting state ABC director J. Wesley Geiselman dismissed a legal challenge filed by the licensees John Hodnett and James Hodnett.
The town alleges that the licensees:
• On Aug. 1, 2015, allowed the presence of non-employees after the legal closing hour; conducted business with an incomplete employee list in the bar; and allowed a licensee or employee to work at the bar while intoxicated.
• On Aug. 28, 2015, conducted business in a manner which created a nuisance requiring police intervention.
• And, on Sept. 9, 2015, allowed a disqualified person to be employed at the bar; failed to maintain a true book of account; conducted business with an incomplete employee list at the bar; and offered adulterated alcoholic beverages.
The mayor and Town Council are also scheduled to hear an ABC case involving Mirasol Liquors, 32 Davis Ave., licensed to Sputnic Inc., whose principals are listed as Anant Shah, Smitben Shah and Tushar Parikh.
The town has charged that the licensees:
• On Sept. 11, 2015, served persons under the legal age alcoholic beverages.
• And, on Sept. 14, 2015, offered for sale an alcoholic beverage in an original container having a content of fill less than that stated on the container.
– Ron Leir
