New Jersey apologizes for ‘systematic targeting’ of LGBTQ bars

The state of New Jersey formally apologized on Tuesday for the “systemic targeting” of gay bars from 1933 to 1967.

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal (D) said in a statement that his office is seeking to “right a historical wrong,” referring to the suspension or revocation of liquor licenses from bars because they served LGBTQ customers.

Grewal issued a directive ordering his office’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to eliminate 126 enforcement actions taken against bars during that time period.

“The time has come to acknowledge this failing, to apologize for what happened, and to make sure it never occurs again,” Grewal said in a statement. “We are committed to righting this historical wrong and strengthening our relationship with New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ community.”

The practice of targeting LGBTQ bars began in the 1930s, after the ABC was established as an independent state agency amid Prohibition. At the time, the state adopted regulations aimed at who licensees could allow in their establishments, Grewal said.

One of those regulations banned “female impersonators or other person of ill repute” from establishments. The other said businesses could not be conducted in “such manner as to become a nuisance,” which later included “congregation of apparent homosexuals.”

The practice ended in 1967, when the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that bars could not have their liquor licenses suspended just because they allowed LGBTQ individuals on the premises.

In addition to vacating the enforcement actions, Grewal said this office will expand anti-bias cultural diversity training for ABC investigators and attorneys. His office will also conduct a “full review” to determine if the ABC’s enforcement targeted other marginalized communities.