Princeton Wine and Liquor to Close, Owner Laments Landlord's Decision

To the Editor:

Nearly 16 years ago my family and I purchased a retail liquor store in downtown Princeton located at 174 Nassau street. Princeton Wine and Liquor impressed us with its quaint 19th century interior look and its warm cozy feel.  The store had been named Princeton Wine and Liquor since 1975, some of the older residents of the Princeton area may remember its former name: The Cellar. Almost all will remember 'that liquor store with the white lights in the window'. For 16 years we serviced Princeton and the surrounding area.  We loved our store and more importantly our customers who would stop by and make a purchase on their way to their favorite local BYOB restaurant.  Yes the hours were long and the economy rocky at times but we endured.  We were happy and proud to have a business to call our own.     

Unfortunately our little slice of the American dream will soon be coming to an end.  The First Church of Christ Scientist, our landlord has decided not to renew our lease.  When we pressed for an answer as to why their reply was--and I quote-- 'we felt that it is not in our best interest having a liquor store as a tenant since we are a church'.  Their best interest?  What about me and my families best interest?  Just because we sell a product that they don't believe in as the excuse not to renew our lease is nothing short of discrimination.      

Needless to say we are devastated.  With just a one year extension left on our lease we tried to find a suitable location to move our business.  With the restrictions as to where a liquor store can set up shop because of distance between other stores, schools and churches there was no place suitable for us to relocate.  Our plan 'B' was trying to sell the license by itself.  Potential buyers encountered the same obstacles we did with the restrictions of placing the license.  So now not only do I have to close my doors but I am holding a valuable liquor license that I can not seem to sell.     

At a time when Governor Christie is trying to promote small business, create jobs and improve New Jersey's economy I now have to shut my doors.  My son, Bob, who has run and managed the business for 16 years is now out of a job as are myself and my other employees.  It would be a different situation if our landlord had come to us with a lease renewal and tripled my rent.  Instead they do not want me in their building because of the product I sell.  Princeton Wine and Liquor, another Princeton Icon soon to be just a memory.                                                                                  

Rose Marie Belmont                                                                                  Owner, Princeton Wine and Liquor