A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Stockton was applying for the liquor license extension. Chartwells, the university’s food service provider, is making the application.
ATLANTIC CITY — The food service provider for Stockton University is applying to extend its existing license to serve alcohol for special events on the school’s new campus on Albany Avenue.
And many owners of local bars and restaurants are not happy about it.
On Tuesday, owners and representatives of several restaurants, including Wonder Bar, Ducktown Tavern, Choice Bar & Grill, Iron Room Restaurant and Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House, voiced their displeasure in front of the Atlantic City Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
Local bar owners are concerned the application by Chartwells could lead to more businesses that don’t have to pay for a liquor license serving alcohol here.
The bar owners argued the food service provider should not be able to extend its current license because they all had to buy liquor licenses to operate in Atlantic City.
Bars and restaurants in the city’s Tourism District are not required to purchase a liquor license from the city. Instead, they can get a Concessionaire License from the state, according to Tom Forkin, chairman of the city’s ABC board.
Chartwells is required to apply to the state ABC not Atlantic City. There is no timetable for a decision.
Nicholas Conti, co-owner of Choice Bar & Grill, said he is afraid this has set a precedent.
“This is just the beginning,” Conti said. “I’ve been here for a long time, and I see how this works. ... This will negatively affect our businesses.”
Diane D’Amico, a spokeswoman for Stockton, said Chartwells is only interested in serving alcohol at certain special events on campus, just like it does in Galloway Township.
Brian Miranda, owner of Wonder Bar, said he paid about $35,000 for his liquor license in 2015 and pays a renewal fee of $2,500 every year.
“I’m not sure why other entities — whether it’s the state, the (Casino Reinvestment Development Authority) or the Tourism District — can circumvent our city regulations,” Miranda said. “Small businesses based their investment decisions on (the regulations) ... and now we’re seeing those regulations have holes in them.”
Casinos have a separate license process for their bars and restaurants. Those licenses, as well as the Concessionaire License, are out of the control of the city.
Outside the Tourism District, Atlantic City has 92 liquor licenses, according to City Clerk Paula Geletei. Of those 92, four are available for purchase, though that number can change on any given day, she said.
John Exadaktilos, owner of Ducktown Tavern and a City Council candidate, said outside entities should not be swooping into Atlantic City taking business now that the city is finally recovering from a long economic downturn.
“Around Stockton, you have these entities that have food, booze ... everything, Exadaktilos said. “They should seek out one of us locally to cater that event.”
