TGI Fridays Owner Fined $500K for Switching Alcohol

Livingston-based The Briad Group won't contest charges that eight of its T.G.I. Fridays franchises, including the one in West Orange's Essex Green Shopping Center, were serving customers alcoholic beverages other than what they ordered.

Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman and Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Director Michael Halfacre announced Wednesday the Briad Group has agreed to pay a $500,000 fine for its restaurants being among the 29 New Jersey bars caught in "Operation Swill."

The year-long law enforcement probe culminated in the seizure of more than 1,000 liquor bottles last May from a wide range of establishments, including the T.G.I. Fridays in West Orange, East Windsor, Old Bridge, Piscataway, Freehold, Marlboro, Hazlet and Linden.

“Briad’s restaurants were scamming customers by serving them a cheap
substitute for what they ordered,” Hoffman said. “This unlawful practice took advantage of consumers who were cheated out of what they thought they were purchasing. This fine should send a clear message to every bar and restaurant throughout New Jersey that customers should get what they pay for every time without exception.” 

As part of the settlement, Briad will have to employ an ABC-appointed monitor to keep an eye on the restaurants' books and operations through June 30, 2014. The firm also agreed to update its inventory software and employee training modules.

In addition, the Attorney General's Office and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control agreed to hold a five-day suspension for each of the bars until June 30, 2014. If there are no more drink-substitution charges, the suspension will be dismissed.

“Drink substitution threatens the integrity of the alcoholic beverage industry, and retailers, wholesalers and customers all lose because of this illegal activity,” Halfacre said.  “We are optimistic that the corrective actions taken by Briad will prevent any further deceptive practices.”