Princeton Postpones Decision On Liquor Store Relocation

PRINCETON, NJ — The Town Council on Monday night voted to table the hearing on the contentious liquor license transfer issue to Nov. 8.

Claridge Wine & Liquor is seeking approval for a liquor license transfer that would enable them to move from Princeton Shopping center to 102 Nassau Street – the store formerly occupied by Landau.

The matter came into contention after Hank and Andrew Siegel, owners of Hamilton Jewelers opposed the move in a letter to the Mayor and Council.

“A liquor store in this location will actively detract from the Princeton experience, particularly on this block of Nassau Street, for those who live, work, and shop downtown, and represents the antithesis of what we are all trying to build in the central business district: a walkable, shoppable, vibrant area with a healthy mix of shops that encourage people to come downtown and stay there to visit our many merchants,” the letter said.

The presence of the liquor store in this stretch of Princeton will promote a “quick-stop” for in-and-out shopping, quick parking, idling “sometimes illegally in loading zones or double parking,” the letter said.

“This stretch of Nassau Street is, quite literally, the face of Princeton, representing the highest-trafficked block in town for residents, visitors, and all shoppers. It must remain high-quality with high-quality merchants and a healthy mix of retailers and responsible food establishments,” Hank and Andrew Siegel said.

During the discussion, Municipal Attorney Trishka W. Cecil noted that according to the law, issuing authorities have the discretion whether or not to approve the transfer, but it has to do so “reasonably” and “grounded in facts.” For the local government to say no to the application they should have a legitimate basis of public safety – loitering, littering, consequences to public health and safety. Competition to other businesses was not a valid factor to reject the application, Cecil said.

Ruben Perez representing the applicant made a presentation to Council. He said that wine and liquor deliveries will be made twice a week – on Wednesdays and Fridays. Delivery for beer will happen once a week on Thursday, before 10 a.m. Loading and unloading will follow municipal guidelines and designated areas to ensure no idling and impact on local traffic.

Council members debated the matter for a long time Monday evening, but couldn’t reach a decision. They decided to continue the discussion on the matter on Nov. 8 after getting all the information they need.

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