Read more: Biden-Trump golf debate heats up election race

The liquor licenses for two of former President Donald Trump's golf clubs in New Jersey were not renewed and now face a hearing over whether Trump's recent criminal conviction affects his ability to hold the licenses.

The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control declined to renew the liquor licenses for Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. The licenses expired July 1st  but the clubs have been issued temporary permits to continue serving alcohol until a hearing is held on July 19th.

Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck

Trump National Golf Club Bedminster

This comes after Trump was convicted last month in New York on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors claim the guilty verdict raises the question of whether Trump maintains a "direct beneficial interest" in the golf club licenses through his sole ownership of the Trump Organization, which could violate New Jersey laws.

The laws state that no liquor license "shall be issued to any person under the age of 18 years or to any person who has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude." The division is investigating whether Trump's conviction meets this standard and affects his ability to indirectly profit from the licenses.

A spokesperson for the Trump Organization disputed the need for a hearing, stating that Trump himself is not a license holder or officer of any entity that holds a New Jersey liquor license. The spokesperson argued renewing the licenses is important to protect hundreds of jobs and charitable events at the clubs.

“As previously stated, President Trump is not the holder of any liquor license in New Jersey, and he is not an officer, director or operator of any entity that holds a liquor license in New Jersey.  These liquor licenses support the livelihoods of many hundreds of hard working New Jersey residents, including bartenders, waiters and waitresses, they service thousands of members, and they contribute millions of dollars to the revenue streams of the State of New Jersey.

“They are also relied upon by people for special life events, including weddings, Christenings, and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, as well as charitable outings and events.  We sincerely hope that this investigation is not political in nature, and given the foregoing, we feel confident that our licenses will remain unaffected,”

The division did renew the license for Trump's Philadelphia golf club, located in New Jersey. A final decision on the Colts Neck and Bedminster licenses will be made after the upcoming hearing, when the division will determine if Trump maintains a disqualifying interest in the licenses due to his criminal case.

References: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/golf/phil-mickelson-liv-pga-tour-33136265 

Find more Golf Brands you would like: