Green Knoll Grill Suspension Was 'Excessive,' Judge Says In Ruling On Bridgewater Venue

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A judge ruled that certain restrictions Bridgewater Township placed on Green Knoll Grill regarding its live music seem "arbitrary," and said a one-day suspension issued to the tiki bar and music venue last year was "excessive."

Lisa DiChiara, who has owned the Green Knoll Grill (645 Route 202/206 in Bridgewater) with her husband for 27 years, said the ruling was "a great win for the GKG" in a social media post.

A hearing was held on June 12 at the New Jersey's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Office of Administrative Law before Judge Kim Belin, addressing the one-day suspension issued by the township to the Green Knoll Grill. The suspension was ordered in August 2022, claiming the restaurant violated a noise ordinance in June 2022.

On Thursday, Belin reversed the suspension and ordered the township and restaurant to review and renegotiate certain special conditions that require a security guard and wristbands on certain nights, stipulations for security guard certification and training for new employees, and a schedule of when music is allowed outside on the patio.

The music schedule in Green Knoll Grill's liquor license conditions includes:

Inside (Year-Round) - DJ Entertainment

• Thursday from 10 PM to 1 AM
• Friday from 10 PM to 1 AM
• Saturday from 10 PM to 1 AM

Outside: From March 1st to November 1st

• Monday from 12 PM to 2 PM
• Tuesday from 12 PM to 2 PM
• Wednesday from 12 PM to 2 PM
• Thursday from 12 PM to 2 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9 PM
• Friday from 12 PM to 2 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9 PM
• Saturday from 12 PM to 2 PM and from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
• Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM

Outside: Annually

• April 14th until 9:30 PM for Annual Grand Opening Day
• May 5th until 9:30 PM for Annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration
• July 4 until 9:30 PM for Annual Independence Day Celebration

Green Knoll Grill owners petitioned that they were being unfairly, and inconsistently with other restaurants and bars with outdoor patios. Judge Belin also asked the town to review data on how similar establishments are treated and what restrictions may be in place "to determine if there is evidence of bias, prejudice or improper motive."

"...bias requires convincing proof and thus, how other establishments are treated is relevant," she wrote.

"I am thankful the Judge ruled in our favor and more," DiChiara said. The GKG also thanked patrons and community members for their support.

"We will keep you posted," the venue wrote on social media. "We look forward to working with the town and being cooperative good neighbor, as always."

Attorney David Cassidy, who represented Green Knoll Grill in court, said he and his clients are "very pleased" with the decision, and that they are hopeful the town will meet with them to resolve the issue.

"This has gone on far too long and we are committed to ending this tension," he said in a statement. "My firm has assisted the GKG in seeking compliance with all rules and regulations and this should be recognized by the Town. Enough is enough. It is time to move on."

Representatives for the township did not immediately return Patch's request for comment Friday.

View the full decision below:

The music issue came to light over the summer of 2022 when a couple of residents complained about late-night noise. Other residents and patrons of the restaurant then started a petition to show their support of the Green Knoll Grill's live music. Patrons also showed up at the Aug. 15, 2022 meeting to defend the restaurant.

Related article:

• Green Knoll Grill Continues Fight With Bridgewater Over Restrictions

This story contains reporting from Patch's Alexis Tarrazi.