Belleville Man Charged With Running Newark Speakeasy: Cops

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Newark police have charged a Belleville man with operating an illegal, after-hours speakeasy on Emet Street, authorities say.

According to the Newark Police Department, officers responded to 219 Emet Street around 4:10 a.m. on Saturday after receiving a citizen complaint about noise coming from the location. When officers arrived, they allegedly saw alcohol being sold to people inside the establishment, which had no liquor license.

Police confiscated several bottles of alcohol and charged Luis A. Vega, 37, of Belleville, with maintaining a nuisance.

“We will continue to act upon these complaints and take the necessary abatement actions,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose stated in a news release.

Earlier this month, Newark police arrested a local man and shut down an alleged illegal speakeasy on Norwood Street that authorities claim has seen several violent episodes near its premises, including murder, suicide and robberies.

• See related article: Newark Speakeasy's Violent Past Includes Murder, Suicide, Police Say

In November, Newark police shut down an alleged speakeasy operating from the 2nd floor of Chico’s Auto Repair Shop at 283 Mount Pleasant Avenue.

• See related article: Police Shut Down Illegal Liquor Speakeasy In Essex County

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