Legislators seek changes in liquor license appeals BY JOLENE HART Staff Writer A change in state legislation could make it easier for residents to bring testimony against what officials refer to as "nuisance bars." If the proposed legislation becomes law, testimony given in municipal courts will hold up in liquor license appeals in state court. State Assemblymen John Wisniewski and Joseph Vas (both D-19) and Brian Stack (D-20) unveiled the plan to the public recently, while standing in front of a Perth Amboy bar that has been the subject of complaints from neighbors. Over the years, many bars and clubs in Wisniewski’s hometown of Sayreville have also made waves with neighbors and local officials due to nuisance issues. The legislation was formally introduced to the Assembly on May 3, and Wisniewski said he hopes to have the bill signed into law by the end of the year. The legislation would affect any cases that have not been heard in municipal court at the time that the bill is signed into law, Wisniewski said. The current law requires witnesses in liquor license appeals before the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) to appear in the state court in Trenton and give testimony, a situation that has proven inconvenient in many cases. Under the proposed legislation, residents wishing to testify in a case against a nuisance bar would appear in municipal court to testify, but would not have to repeat the testimony if the case reaches state court, Wisniewski said. "It makes no sense for people to have to take time off from their jobs just to say the exact same things they’ve already said under oath," Wisniewski said in a statement. "Allowing video or transcripts of testimony already in the public record is a sensible way to move the appeals process without inconveniencing local residents," he added. The new bill would make the process of appealing a liquor license less cumbersome, Stack said. While Wisniewski said he has not received a "constituent-level reaction" on the proposal, he believes the legislation will be welcomed because of the convenience that it brings. "We need to give local residents every encouragement to become involved in the issues, which affect the quality of life in their communities," Vas said. "This bill would remove a stubborn roadblock to encouraging that input and participation."