Clinton Deli Faces License Hearing

A liquor store owner who won license renewal last year with strict conditions is now facing a hearing on possible denial of renewal for 2013-14.

Vadrajan Naicken, owner of the Clinton Deli on West Front Street, was permitted to stay open for 2012-13  only after agreeing to install security cameras and make other provisions to curtail illicit activity on his premises. For the term beginning July 1, the City Council voted not to renew his license based on a police recommendation. City Clerk Abubakar Jalloh said a hearing will take place at 7 p.m. on July 17 at City Hall Library.

At last year's hearing, Naicken's attorney did not show up, but an attorney on hand for another hearing filled in. Police reported 254 calls to the premises in the 2011-12 term for incidents including sale of alcohol to minors, drug possession, fights, assaults weapons offenses and sale of loose cigarettes. The most disturbing report to city officials and police was that drugs were found on several occasions “beneath the ice cream freezer” within the store, where ice cream and candy were sold to children.

Naicken agreed to install cameras in the store and parking lot, but balked at a requirement for security guards, saying he could not afford them. The council insisted on guards serving from dusk until closing as a condition of renewal for 2012-13 and Naicken finally agreed.

On June 17, the council acting as the local Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved licenses for eight bars, restaurants and clubs and 10 liquor stores. Approvals for eight other bars or restaurants, one social club and one liquor store were not renewed pending payment of fees or receipt of state tax clearances. Clinton Deli was the only one recommended for denial.

The agenda for the July 15 council meeting includes renewals for two of the bars in question and also one liquor store that was not on the June list.

The number of liquor licenses in Plainfield has been a sore point with members of the governing body and has led to many complaints from residents. Although the state set a formula years ago for the number of liquor establishments based on population, many city licenses were "grandfathered in" and allowed to remain active. Plainfield's population of 49,808 in the 2010 census would permit 16.6 consumption licenses under the formula and the city has 16, plus four social club licenses. The state formula would limit liquor store licenses to 6.64 based on the city's population, but Plainfield has more than double that number.

Countering the outcry against the number of liquor licenses, one city resident wants the council to restore a fifth social license. Dawud Hicks has pleaded his case at numerous public meetings, saying his MDM Sports Club needs a license to bring in revenue for the club's youth mentoring projects. But the council has rejected his rationale.

Developer Frank Cretella is also seeking one or two liquor licenses for proposed restaurants in Plainfield, but has not found any current holders of active or inactive "pocket" licenses willing to sell.

--Bernice