Elks Club Could Get Liquor License

The East Hanover Council unanimously voted to approve the first reading of a new ordinance which could allow for a club liquor license at the local Elks Lodge.

Township Attorney Matthew O'Donnell said this ordinance is part of a town effort to update codes. "We were approached for the Elks club. They were seeking a club license. Our current ordinance ... does not currently provide for any such license," O'Donnell said.

The club license would have a fee of $188 per state statute. Unlike other liquor licenses, which are created relative to the population and which the township can raise fees on by 20 percent each year up to $2,500, the club license fee will remain flat.

Mayor Joseph Pannullo said after the meeting he is not inclined to approve another club liquor license and would only consider a club license for another service organization like the Elks.

If the ordinance passes at second reading, the Elks Lodge will have to file an application with the state before they can get the license.

A public hearing for the ordinance has been scheduled for April 8, 2013.