Dear Editor:
I have read with great interest the many letters, both pro and con, in The Hoboken Reporter regarding the “quality of life” issues concerning bars and taverns in our city. As the proprietor of the bar at Tenth and Willow, a popular neighborhood establishment, member of the Hoboken Hospitality Association and New Jersey Restaurant Association, I know too well how a few well-placed critics can jeopardize the future of Hoboken’s primary industry and revenue generator — the food service and hospitality industry.
Bars and restaurants are not the problem, as one letter writer suggested. By far, Hoboken tavern and restaurant owners are a responsible, law abiding group who provide a significant boost to the local economy through job creation and tax revenue, both locally and to the state. They are the linchpin of our economy, bringing thousands of visitors to our city.
At the bar at Tenth and Willow, I employ over 16 people and pay several hundred thousands of dollars a year in payroll, sales tax and rent. If this is any benchmark, the over l00 food service establishments in Hoboken provide an overwhelming benefit to our city.
I, like many other proprietors, utilize local suppliers — butchers, green grocers, bakers, cleaners, liquor distributors. This ripple effect that affects the lives of hundreds of people. The hospitality industry is a powerful force in New Jersey. It is the largest retail employer with over 180,000 employees. Annual sales are $8.5 billion per year, and the industry contributes more than $400 million in sales tax revenue, according to the New Jersey Restaurant Association.
Now, a recently formed citizens quality of life organization contends we are responsible for rowdy crowds, noise litter and other “quality of life” violations. They have caught the attention of a few elected officials who are seeking to scale back bar hours and change the way we do business. These complaints have only recently surfaced, with no data from local police to support their cause. We are more than willing to work with any citizens group, but have not been invited to participate with their organization.
I abide by all rules governed by my licenses. I personally stand at the door of my establishment each weekend night to ensure capacity levels and maintain order. I employ a security staff whose sole job is to comply with municipal laws pertaining to licensed liquor establishments.
Proposals by the mayor and city council to close bars and taverns at 1 a.m. does little to address this issue, while threatening an entire industry. The early closing will mean lost revenue and forces job cuts within the industry, without directly addressing the real issues.
The answer lies in vigorous compliance with existing laws by bar owners and the city’s police force. Maintaining a police presence during late night and early morning hours serves a powerful message to patrons to be on their best behavior. I and my colleagues are willing to work with our neighbors, elected officials and the police in an effort to combat quality of life issues.
Mario Steriti
The bar at Tenth and Willow