New Jersey authorities continue to grapple with the fate of Donald Trump’s liquor licenses at two of his golf clubs following his 2024 felony conviction in the New York hush-money case. Despite receiving no jail time or fines, Trump’s status as a convicted felon has triggered a prolonged legal review under New Jersey law, which prohibits individuals convicted of “crimes involving moral turpitude” from holding liquor licenses.
### Legal Basis for Revocation
New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) asserts that Trump maintains a direct financial interest in the licenses at and , even though the permits are formally under his son Donald Trump Jr.’s name. State law mandates revocation if the primary beneficiary of a license is a felon, and ABC officials argue Trump’s role as sole beneficiary of the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust ties him to the licenses.
### Interim Permits and Delays
Both clubs have operated under temporary permits since mid-2024, initially set to expire in July 2024 but later extended to February 2025. A pivotal hearing scheduled for July 19, 2024, was repeatedly postponed as Trump’s legal team delayed sentencing in the hush-money case. With sentencing finalized in January 2025, ABC can now proceed to determine whether Trump’s felony conviction disqualifies him.
### Loopholes and Corporate Structure
Trump’s lawyers have emphasized that his name does not appear on the licenses, arguing corporate entities shield him from liability. Legal experts suggest this structure could protect the licenses if Trump is not directly tied to ownership, though ABC maintains his financial benefits violate state rules. Meanwhile, in Pine Hill retains its license, renewed independently by local authorities.
### Next Steps
ABC must now decide whether to revoke or renew the licenses. A hearing would require Trump’s team to prove his eligibility, but the process could drag on for months. The outcome may set a precedent for how states handle felonies among high-profile business figures.
The prolonged review underscores the unprecedented clash between Trump’s legal challenges and his business interests, with New Jersey’s decision poised to impact operations at key Trump properties.
