N.J. bar has outdoor dining license revoked after beer garden packed with people

The same week it reopened for business, one Morristown bar was shuttered again, after officials say they failed to follow new coronavirus regulations on outdoor dining.

Tashmoo Bar & Restaurant had its outdoor dining license revoked after overcrowding on Friday night, Morristown officials said in a statement. Business administrator Jillian Barrick confirmed that Tashmoo is the only bar to have had its permit revoked in Morristown since outdoor dining reopened on Monday.

An owner for Tashmoo could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

"Many of our established restaurants and retailers have worked hard to pivot their business model to comply with the state regulations and ensure the health of their patrons," the township said in a statement. "Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to the contrary, not all businesses followed the guidelines and we had to shut them down."

The beer garden behind the bar was set to open weekly from Thursday to Sunday, with live music on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations were not required.

A photo of the beer garden shows larges groups of people clustered together, with most not wearing masks. Most patrons are not seated at tables.

An aerial photo posted on Instagram by @morristown.nj, an unofficial account run by a resident, showed distanced tables set up in the parking lot, and said too many people were let in.

Township officials clarified that going forward, all patrons must be seated to be served, and the capacity for outdoor dining will be limited to the number of seats approved in the social distance floor plans. Outdoor capacity also cannot exceed how many people would be able to fit inside.

The only alcohol allowed to be consumed on-premises must be served by wait staff to seated customers, the township said.

Morristown Police PBA president Dennis Bergman said they did not choose to shut down the bar, but were following township ordinances.

"We want to see our local businesses thrive and not forced into having to close their doors permanently," Bergman said. "We encourage you to keep in mind that the officers on the street that are responding to these calls are not dictating nor consulted on policy."

Bars and restaurants were allowed to apply for temporary permits expending their liquor licenses outside during the pandemic. Adherence to all local ordinances was a condition of the temporary permit.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

Here's What Taking the Bar Exam Is Really Like