Disciplinary Hearing Set For Montclair's Park Sports Bar

The Montclair Township Council has scheduled a disciplinary hearing for the owner of the controversial owner, Jeff Meinikoff, on October 11, according to The Montclair Times.

Municipal Prosecutor Kenneth Strait Jr. has filed a dozen charges against the bar, arguing that the business has been the site of fights and unsavory behavior, resulting in many calls to police in recent years.

In late June, the previous Township Council finally agreed to renew the liquor license of the Park Sports Bar & Restaurant at the corner of South Park and Church streets following three hours of discussion—but with one condition.

The council required the Park Sports Bar & Restaurant to hire an off-duty police officer or professional security guard each night, starting at 10 p.m.

The renewal came after a hearing that was scheduled as the result of dozens of objections from area residents, who charge that the business promotes drunken, disgusting, and disorderly conduct.

"The problem is that [the owner] is trying to operate a business in a residential area that's full of apartments," said then-Councilor Nick Lewis. "A lot of the complaints are about boorish clientele and I'm not sure we can do anything about boorish people."

Nancy LeRoy, a resident at 48 South Park Street, said police have responded to complaints at the bar at least 94 times since January 2010—compared with only 13 times for all the other bars in town combined during the same time period.

The owner, Melnikoff, has said he feels sorry for the residents.

"I never knew it was like this. No one came to me. I feel bad for all these people," he said in June. "I think we could try to work to figure out a resolution for the noise. I should be afforded that opportunity. I don't want to be the source of all this stress and aggravation.

"I want to apolologize to everyone here," he said, turning to the residents seated behind him in council chambers.

The hearing on October 11 will focus on 12 separate charges involving 12 separate incidents at the sports bar and restaurant.

What do you think of the Park Sports Bar? Let us know in the comments section below.