New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 13 - LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Chapter 2 - DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL
Subchapter 19 - DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
Section 13:2-19.13 - Increase or decrease of penalties

(a) The penalties set forth in the penalty schedule, at 13:2-19.11(i), may be increased or decreased based upon a finding by the Director of aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

(b) Some of the factors that the Director may consider to decrease a penalty are: previous history of compliance, good faith efforts to prevent a violation and extraordinary cooperation in the investigation demonstrating that the licensee is acting responsibly. Some of the factors the Director may consider to increase a penalty are: prior warnings or violations about compliance problems, efforts to conceal violations, age of customers and that the incident that gave rise to the violation resulted in death or substantial injury. These factors are provided as examples only and are not to be considered all inclusive.

(c) In addition, if death or serious injury occurred as a result of the incident that gave rise to the violation, the Director may revoke the license, even if it is a first violation. The licensee has the burden of demonstrating mitigating circumstances.

(d) In determining to increase or decrease the penalty or penalties set forth in the penalty schedule, the Director shall state in writing specific reasons for determining the penalty or penalties actually imposed.

(e) In instances where a licensee fails to comply with a request for documents and/or testimony, the Director may indefinitely suspend the license until such time as the licensee complies, in addition to any other penalty for hindering an investigation.