Forget Fake IDs, Fake Alcohol Is The New Crime: 'Operation Swill' Investigates New Jersey Bars Selling Rubbing Alcohol In Place Of Scotch

Fake hair, fake nails, and fake alcohol?

In the state of New Jersey, ABC and Criminal Justice Investigators seized 1,000 bottles of alcohol in a statewide bust after receiving information that restaurants and bars were swapping out premium alcohol for cheaper substitutes. One such venue was even accused of serving rubbing alcohol and food dye in place of scotch.

The year-long investigation is called, "Operation Swill." The 29 licensed bars and restaurants accused of doing a switcheroo of real liquor for fake alcohol, fooling customers and spiking profits, is listed here:

  • Railroad Café, East Rutherford
  • The Brick House, Wycoff
  • Sunset Tavern, Burlington
  • Graziano's Ristorante, Chesilhurst
  • Villari's Lakeside, Gloucester Township
  • Yesterdays, Marmora
  • TGI Fridays, West Orange
  • Italian Affair, Glassboro
  • Bells Tavern, Lambertville
  • TGI Fridays, East Windsor
  • Brunswick Grove, East Brunswick
  • TGI Fridays, Old Bridge
  • TGI Fridays, North Brunswick
  • TGI Fridays, Piscataway
  • TGI Fridays, Freehold
  • TGI Fridays, Marlboro
  • TGI Fridays, Hazlet
  • Murray's, Dover
  • TGI Fridays, East Hanover
  • Sona Thirteen, Morristown
  • Blackthorn Restaurant, Parsippany
  • Ruby Tuesday, Bridgewater
  • TGI Fridays, Linden
  • Café 34, Matawan
  • Applebee's, Kearny
  • Cucina Calandara, Fairfield
  • TGI Fridays, Hamilton
  • TGI Fridays, Springfield
  • TGI Fridays, Clifton

Agents raided 13 TGI Fridays, taking boxes of bottles. In a statement, a spokesman said, "TGI Fridays was just made aware of this issue and is working closely with the franchise and owner of the cited locations to review and investigate these serious allegations."

"This alleged scheme is a dishonest ruse to increase profits, and it is a slap in the face to the consumer," said state Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa in a statement. "Consumers should have the peace of mind of knowing that they will get what they spent their hard-earned money on every single time - no exceptions."

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