NJ Cites 3 Hoboken Bars For Alleged COVID-19 Violations

HOBOKEN, NJ — New Jersey State Police Col. Patrick Callahan said during Gov. Phil Murphy's Monday coronavirus briefing that six Hudson County bar/restaurants were cited on Friday for alleged non-compliance with state executive orders regarding coronavirus precautions. Three of the establishments were in Hoboken, he said.

In Hoboken, he said, the bars cited were:

• Black Bear Bar & Grill
• Eighth Street Tavern
• Wilton House

On Friday night, the state Alcoholic Beverage Control board conducted 73 "compliance inspections" at establishments to make sure they were in line with the governor's executive orders, Callahan said.

Starting Friday, New Jersey bars were allowed to increase allow indoor capacity from 35 to 50 percent, but no seating was allowed at the bar, and many other precautions remained in place. READ MORE: Hoboken Restaurants Can Serve At 50 Percent Capacity

Hoboken Spokesman Vijay Chaudhuri said in response to the citations on Monday, “Mayor [Ravi] Bhalla thanks the vast majority of restaurants and businesses for complying with safety regulations to protect our community during the pandemic. He is confident that any violations or non-compliance will be rectified in the coming weekends, working in partnership with the Hoboken Police Department, bar owners, and the COVID-19 task force.”

Callahan said that the state ABC, joined by the Bayonne Police, also cited three Bayonne establishments Friday.

In Bayonne, they were:

• Butero
• Mediterraneo Restaurant
• Room 990 Bar & Lounge

Murphy and Callahan said this was an improvement.

"The ABC typically does this by county," Murphy said, pointing out that the visits are usually unannounced.

"The compliance is, I would still say, phenomenal," Callahan said. "To visit 73 and only cite six."

"That's a real testament to the establishments," Murphy said, "many of whom are suffering enormously."

On Friday, Sen. Robert Menendez appeared in Hoboken to tout billions of dollars in federal stimulus money to help restaurants stay afloat.

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