BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Two Burlington County beer businesses are in hot water for illegal collaborations and violations of their licenses, according to state authorities.
Ark Brewery, Restaurant & Pub in Lumberton must shut down for six weeks. The state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) also accused Dr. Brewlittle's of wrongdoing, but the legal matter against the Maple Shade brewery hasn't been resolved.
In a Sept. 20 complaint, the ABC accused Ark of selling beer that wasn't registered for retail sales, serving alcohol purchased from liquor stores instead of approved distributors, and possessing contaminated bottles — among other offenses.
Ark pleaded no contest, waiving its right to a hearing or appeal. As a result, the state suspended its license for six weeks — from Monday through Feb. 26 — and issued a $50,000 fine that must be paid by May 15, 2025.
The order was issued Dec. 21.
In the initial complaint, the state sought a 159-day suspension. But Ark's no-contest plea and agreement to pay a fine helped reduce the timeframe.
Last week, Ark Brewery announced it would close for six weeks because of the ABC's orders.
"We will take this time off to further move the business in the proper direction to ensure quality and further growth to greater serve Lumberton and the surrounding communities," the business said on social media.
The allegations stemmed from an April 2022 inspection in which Ark Brewery failed to show accurate accounting books or its current liquor license. Ark also never disclosed to the state that it shared its liquor license with three other entities and shared profits with one of them.
Ark Brewery also illegally manufactured beer at Dr. Brewlittle's, the state says. Despite its name, Ark is not a licensed brewery or brew pub. It has a plenary retail-consumption license, which authorizes bars and restaurants to sell alcohol for on-site consumption, according to a spokesperson for the state attorney general's office, which includes the ABC.
Dr. Brewlittle's obtained alcohol from Ark Brewery, which wasn't registered by the state for such distribution, the ABC says. The Maple Shade brewery also distributed or received beverages that weren't registered with the state as brands, according to the Nov. 30 complaint.
Several charges stem from a May 2022 inspection in which Dr. Brewlittle's failed to show proper accounting books, the complaint says.
Dr. Brewlittle's faces a 115-day license suspension. The business must enter a plea within 30 days of receiving the complaint but can request an extra two weeks to examine the case's investigative report.
Neither Dr. Brewlittle's nor the attorney representing Ark Brewery returned Patch's requests for comment.
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