HOBOKEN, NJ — Most bar owners are "good community partners" who want to protect their investments while providing patrons a safe place to responsibly drink alcohol. Such is the philosophy that is uniting dozens of Hoboken pub and restaurant owners under the aegis of a new chapter of the New Jersey Licensed Beverage Association (NJLBA).

NJLBA Executive Director Diane Weiss announced the formation of the new Hoboken group on Thursday. "By creating this new sub-chapter of the NJLBA, we will be able to bring together for the first time the more than 100 bar, tavern and restaurant owners in Hoboken and provide one-voice for their businesses," Weiss said. "Our Hoboken-based members are good community partners, and they want to make certain that the integrity of their liquor licenses are maintained and that their business investments are protected."

Weiss said that liquor licenses are "very expensive," and they often require a life-long commitment that is taken very seriously by bar and restaurant owners. "This is their livelihood, and our licensees work very hard to provide quality service in a safe and friendly atmosphere to their patrons," Weiss said.

Hoboken bar owners have been feeling the heat from local authorities over the past year. In February, the local Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board announced a crackdown against 11 bars after they allegedly "failed to adequately control their patrons and the activities within their premises, leading to severe public safety issues." See related article: Hoboken Suspends 5 Bars From 2018 LepreCon Pub Crawl

See related article: Hoboken Sees Boozing, Brawling, Urinating Santa Invasion According to the NJLBA, the Hoboken chapter wants to work with Hoboken's mayor, chief of police and the law enforcement community, as well as the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), to "foster a productive dialogue and develop new and innovative programs and events, including family-friendly activities."

The group will also focus on providing enhanced city-wide training efforts for all bar, tavern and restaurant employees to help local establishments provide a responsible environment for guests, staff and residents of the Hoboken community, the NJLBA stated.

About 30 licensees attended the inaugural meeting of the group, Weiss said.