New Jersey to hold hearing on whether Trump can retain liquor licenses at his 2 golf courses after felony conviction

Regulators in New Jersey are set to determine whether Donald Trump's golf courses in Colts Neck and Bedminster should have their liquor licenses renewed following his guilty conviction on 34 felony counts. The State Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control has refused to do so, opting instead to issue temporary permits which will last until the hearing, scheduled for July 19 in Trenton.

The former president had turned over management of The Trump Organization, which runs the courses, to his sons Donald and Eric after being sworn in as president on January 2017, however officials in New Jersey argued that because he is still the "sole beneficiary" of the Donald J. Trump Recovable Trust, the fact that he is now a convicted felon will impact his businesses' ability to serve alhocol.

According to the Washington Post, the Attorney General's Office noted that "a review by ABC indicates that Mr. Trump maintains a direct beneficial interest in the three liquor licenses through the receipt of revenues and profits from them, as the sole beneficiary of the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust."

Under New Jersey law, anyone convicted of a crime involving "moral turpitude" is prohibited from holding a liquor license. During the hearing, the AG's office explained, Trump "bears the burden of proof to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that they remain qualified to maintain licensure, which includes a review of any beneficiaries of the licenses." Essentially, Trump must show that the crimes for which he was convicted do not violate the aforementioned rule.

"We believe that a hearing regarding the renewal of our liquor licenses is unwarranted and unjustified," the Trump Organization said in a statement. "We sincerely hope that this investigation is not political in nature, and given the foregoing, we feel confident that our licenses will remain unaffected."