The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is looking to indefinitely suspend the liquor licenses of four Trenton bars because their owner faces criminal charges.

According to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, the state filed an order to show cause as to why it shouldn’t take action against Mill Hill Restaurant and Lounge, Trenton Social, Dubai Restaurant and Lounge, and El Catador Lounge and Restaurant.

Gerald Araya holds the license for each. He was arrested June 19 after authorities say he sexually assaulted four women associated with his restaurants.

The 44-year-old Ewing resident was accused of assaulting three former waitresses and a female job applicant. He was also charged with over a dozen felonies, including six counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault.

The charges also include one count of first-degree kidnapping, six counts of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting the case.

Protecting public safety

In the July 29 order, ABC interim Director Kristin Krueger asked the operators of the bars to appear at an upcoming hearing to explain why they should remain open pending Araya’s criminal trial.

The ABC alleges that because Araya’s four licensed premises “were used in furtherance or aid of the alleged criminal activity, their immediate suspension is necessary.”

In a statement, Platkin said, “We have an obligation to ensure that licensed establishments are not used in the furtherance of crime, and to protect against activity in the alcoholic beverage industry that jeopardizes the public health, safety, or welfare.”

“The criminal conduct alleged to have occurred by the licensee directly involves the very restaurants and bars that he has been granted the privilege to serve alcoholic beverages in. Today’s action seeks to suspend those licenses to prevent any further harm or victimization at those locations,” Platkin said.

Commenting on the state’s attempts to suspend the licenses, Araya’s attorney Robin Lord said, “This is not Nazi Germany. We do not take away a person’s livelihood and put at least 50 people out on the street because of a mere uncorroborated accusation that has more holes than Swiss cheese.”

Lord also said, “They [the charges] involved made-up stories by incredible women with ulterior motives. Video evidence and text messages discount their every word. The only crimes committed are perjury and false reports by these alleged victims. The state is refusing to turn over to the defense evidence that proves they are lying.”