Fox 5 has reported on petition by the D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 4C) based on the “good character” condition for a liquor license. That provisions states:
§ 25–301. General qualifications for all applicants.
(a) Before issuing, transferring to a new owner, or renewing a license, the Board shall determine that the applicant meets all of the following criteria:
(1) The applicant is of good character and generally fit for the responsibilities of licensure.
(2) The applicant is at least 21 years of age.
(3) The applicant has not been convicted of any felony in the 10 years before filing the application.
(4) The applicant has not been convicted of any misdemeanor bearing on fitness for licensure in the 5 years before filing the application.
The focus of the law is on criminal violations but perceived questions of veracity or honesty. Moreover, the liquor license is technically not in the name of Donald Trump. Moreover, ANC 4C does not even cover this geographic area. That is covered by ANC 2C, which has not called for such a review.
Nevertheless, the petition states that “Donald Trump, the true and actual owner of the Trump International Hotel, is not a person of good character.” The petition references a “long history of telling lies” and a “failure to abide by the law and to repudiate associations with known criminals.” That is it. Incredibly, two former judges signed this utter nonsense. It may be cathartic and popular but it is entirely meritless.
It is difficult to protect a president in disregarding laws or precedent when you are filing frivolous filings that misuse laws like those governing liquor licenses.