1 Day Suspension Issued For Green Knoll Grill After Noise Violation

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Bridgewater Council imposed a one-day suspension on the Green Knoll Grill after finding they violated a noise ordinance in June.

"I regret that this happened. I don't want to be here talking about this. I just want to see businesses in town and residents enjoying themselves. But when we have to send the police department called out to verify a noise complaint and it is verified then here we are," said Council President Allen Kurdyla.

The suspension was unanimously voted on by the Bridgewater Council on Monday night with members noting it was not a decision they took "lightly."

The suspension will take effect on Friday, Sept. 16.

The township council held a public hearing on Monday to discuss Green Knoll Grill's outdoor entertainment and noise complaints from some residents.

It was found that on June 10 live music was performed past the 9 p.m. curfew until 9:23 p.m.

"It is a diminutive violation, a one-time violation, it was not excessive. It was a mistake in minutes," said David Cassidy, an attorney who represents the Green Knoll Grill at 645 Route 202/206 in Bridgewater.

Cassidy claimed the "rules imposed for the music ordinance for this bar are chaotic, confusing and arbitrary."

Councilman Michael Kirsh countered Cassidy's claims that the rules were not confusing.

"What’s so confusing? Look at a clock. You just recited the rules," said Kirsh.

Lisa DiChiara, who has owned the restaurant for almost 26 years, noted that her business helps the community by employing Bridgewater college students and donating to charities in town.

"By threatening to take away live entertainment at Green Knoll Grill you are hurting many people," said DiChiara, who noted the repercussions to her staff, band members, and others.

Bridgewater resident Cathy Franco said the suspension is a slap on the wrist.

"That's one day. My children would get punished if they didn’t follow the rules," said Franco.

An employee of Green Knoll Grill, Bridget Laurens, said it may seem like a slap on the wrist for others but taking a day from a bartender or a server is a big difference.

"I've worked for them for about 2 years and they have done so much for me… a lot of high school kids who come home in the summer work for them… I think you need to consider who else you are hurting aside from the business owners," said Laurens.

Along with the suspension passed, the council also voted to renew the Green Knoll Grill's liquor license with the same rules and penalties.

Kirsh noted that no one who spoke during the meeting asked for a change to the penalties.

"I just want to acknowledge that no attorney, owner, public - there was no expression that the penalty structure for the new year should be any different," said Kirsh.

• Read More: Green Knoll Grill's Outdoor Music May Be In Jeopardy
• More: Noise Complaints Over Green Knoll Grill Continue In Bridgewater

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