More liquor license expansions for Morristown could test limits of NJ laws, and upend downtown

April Fool's!
BAR NONE? South Street could become a string of taverns if a questionable plan sees the light of day.
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A Las Vegas tavern conglomerate has its sights set on Morristown, with a bold plan that could test the limits of New Jersey’s liquor laws and transform South Street into a barhopping destination second only to the Strip, sources tell us.

Wobbly's, part of the Rustlers Gulch Libations Ltd. chain.
The Wobbly’s chain is part of the Rustlers Gulch Libations Ltd. family.

“People get thirsty,” said a person with knowledge of the plans, which are expected to wash over the town council in waves during the next few months.

Rustlers Gulch Libations Ltd., owner of Bottom’s Up and Wobbly’s, popular West Coast saloon chains, is said to be in negotiations to buy liquor licenses from several Morristown establishments.

If the syndicate succeeds, sources said, it then will attempt to “expand” those licenses into adjoining storefronts, a maneuver that already has worked–albeit on a much smaller scale–for the Iron Bar and the Tashmoo Restaurant & Bar.

Plans call for the Tashmoo Restaurant & Bar, on the left, to connect across this alley to a new restaurant/bar that would replace the white house. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Plans call for the Tashmoo Restaurant & Bar, on the left, to connect across this alley to a new restaurant/bar that would replace the white house. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“Last Call!” could echo down both sides of South Street, from Community Place all the way to the Elm Street intersection, with only a few gaps–namely, three churches and the Morristown & Township Library.

Finding a way around those obstacles would be daunting, though perhaps not impossible, said a liquor license attorney, who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on this matter or any other.

St. Peter's graveyard, Winter Storm Stella in Morristown, March 14, 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
JUST PASSING THROUGH?  A tavern chain reportedly is exploring ways to tunnel under and around St. Peter’s, pictured here, and other downtown landmarks. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

On DeHart Street, owners of Tashmoo won permission in 2013 to extend its license across a driveway to an unconnected building.

On South Street, Rustlers Gulch planners and attorneys are said to be exploring a novel series of tunnels, alleys and even air rights, in hopes of extending liquor licenses past the Church of the Redeemer, the Presbyterian Parish House, St. Peter’s and the library. The Mayo Performing Arts Center and the Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen already have liquor licenses; whether Rustlers Gulch has approached them with offers could not be immediately determined.

The Morristown & Township Library during Winter Storm Stella in Morristown, March 14, 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
The Morristown & Township Library during Winter Storm Stella in Morristown, March 14, 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Leasing of underground sewer-, gas- and electric shafts is part of the Rustlers’ strategy, according to the lawyer who cannot be named. Expect a fight from the council, however. In February, it shot down the Iron Bar’s request for a second license expansion, citing concerns about an “over-saturation” of bars and declaring “enough is enough.”

Stay tuned for more developments on this breaking story.  We’ll update with comments as quickly as people can make them up.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Well done, Kevin! I always look forward to your A.F. prank each year! Or could it be a reality one day?

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