Bergen Country Club Drops Waiter From Suit Over $30K Purse

DEMAREST, NJ – A Bergen County country club reportedly said it never intended to sue the server accused of spilling wine on a member’s $30,000 pink Hermes clutch.

In court documents filed last week, the Alpine Country Club insisted it wasn't liable for the damages to Maryana Beyder's bag ,NorthJersey.com reported, in addition to suing its own employee. On Tuesday, the club amended its cross-claim to remove any mention of the server, according to NJ.com.

Kenneth Merber, the club’s attorney, told the newspaper his client is “not making any claim against and is not seeking any damages from any of its employees, including the waiter.”

The waiter has not been identified and has only been referred to as "John Doe" in Beyder's suit.

Merber also questioned the authenticity and value of Beyder’s Hermes bag, saying a receipt hasn’t been produced.

In October, Beyder filed a lawsuit against the club for the value of her bag after it was damaged beyond repair during a September 2018 meal.

Beyder tried for nearly a year to sort out the matter with the club directly, but they were dismissive and eventually unresponsive, prompting her to pursue legal action. Her suit also claims the club was negligent in hiring the waiter who spilled the drink.

Located in Demarest, Alpine Country Club members are reportedly required to pay a $65,000 initiation fee, plus $19,000 in dues annually. The 196-acre property includes an 18-hole golf course, five tennis courts, a fitness facility, several dining establishments and a "resort style pool facility."