Rooster Fighting Ring, Illegal Alcohol Sales At Paterson Bar: PD

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Paterson bar was shut down for illegal alcohol sales three years after police discovered rooster fights were being held there.

Police went to New Ranchi City Bar and Liquors on Market Street as part of a 2016 investigation and discovered rooster fights were being held there, said Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale.

Owner Felix Grullon, 53, was initially charged with maintaining a gambling resort, promoting gambling by running a rooster fighting ring, fighting or baiting animals or creatures, and cruelty to animals, among other charges, said Speziale.

Grullon pleaded guilty to possession of gambling records, which was a felony and meant he had to give up his state-issued liquor license, Speziale said.

The state finalized revoking the license June 24 and police went there to take possession of it. They found Grullon selling alcohol to customers, Speziale said.

Police found more than 1,500 bottles of liquor, 2,100 bottles of beer, and nearly 300 bottles of wine at the business, Speziale said.

Grullon was charged with selling alcohol without a license.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com