New Jersey is seeking to revoke the liquor license of one of President Trump’s golf courses, a penalty that could cause Trump’s two other golf courses in the state to lose their licenses, as well.
The Washington Post reports that the move stems from a 2015 incident in which staff at Trump’s Colts Neck, N.J., golf course over-served alcohol to a man who ended up killing his father in a car crash later that day.
The state informed the course of its decision on Monday via a letter.
Normally the punishment for such an infraction would be a 25-day suspension of the liquor license, but in this case, “the [state] will seek revocation of the license based upon the total circumstances,” the letter reads.
The Trump Organization has 30 days to contest the punishment. If the revocation goes through, then Trump can challenge the decision in court and try to get the license back in two years.
According to the Post, New Jersey law states that if a business has its liquor license revoked, then any other businesses run by the same company will also lose their liquor licenses, which means that Trump’s Pine Hill, N.J., golf course and Bedminister, N.J., course would also lose their liquor licenses for at least two years.
{mosads}While a liquor license might not seem of much consequence, golf courses are low-margin ventures, so liquor sales are crucial, the Post reports. The Colts Neck course could suffer huge revenue loss from its two restaurants and bar, and struggle to bring outside banquets and events in.
Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, told the paper that the absence of liquor sales makes it very difficult for golf courses to stay financially feasible.
“Could it be done? Sure. In theory, yes. But it would be really, really hard,” Karen said.
The Trump Organization and New Jersey Office of the Attorney General did not respond to The Hill for comment.