TGI Fridays In NJ Fined $500K For Switching Booze

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — An operator of TGI Fridays restaurants in New Jersey raided as part of Operation Swill has agreed to pay a $500,000 fine for serving customers cheap booze when they paid for top shelf.

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman said Wednesday that the fine levied against Livingston-based Briad Group should send a message to every bar and restaurant in the state that customers should always get what they pay for.

Twenty-nine establishments were raided as part of the operation.

The eight TGI Fridays included in the settlement are in West Orange, East Windsor, Old Bridge, Piscataway (pihs-KAT'-uh-way), Freehold, Marlboro, Hazlet and Linden.

Under terms of the settlement, Briad will employ a state-appointed monitor through June 14 to ensure the restaurants and employees are in compliance.