Trenton Limits Late-Night Business Hours in Downtown Area After Deadly Weekend Shooting, Business Owner Challenges Decision
Trenton officials have introduced a new emergency measure aimed at reducing late-night crowds in part of the city’s downtown following a deadly shooting that raised concerns about public safety. The temporary order affects businesses operating within a limited section of East State Street and has already sparked criticism from one local business owner, who believes the action unfairly targets his establishment.
Mayor Reed Gusciora signed an executive order on Thursday establishing a 10 p.m. weekend curfew for businesses located within a three-block area of East State Street in downtown Trenton. According to city officials, the emergency step is intended to reduce large gatherings that have formed in the area during late-night hours, especially after last weekend’s fatal shooting.
The decision comes as city leaders continue searching for ways to improve safety while maintaining normal business activity. Officials have indicated that controlling large crowds is a priority as law enforcement investigates the recent violence.
Although the executive order applies to all businesses within the designated area and does not identify any individual establishment, the move has drawn a strong reaction from Ed Forchion, widely known as NJ Weedman. Forchion owns NJ Weedman’s Joint, a well-known cannabis-themed restaurant and advocacy business located directly across from Trenton City Hall.
Forchion argues that the emergency curfew is aimed squarely at his business despite the order’s broader language. He said he believes the city’s action is another attempt to interfere with his operations and discourage customers from visiting his establishment during its busiest hours.
According to Forchion, his business has experienced ongoing disagreements with city leadership over the years. He maintains that the latest emergency restrictions are part of a longer pattern of conflict between him and local officials. He claims the mayor has consistently opposed his business and is using the recent public safety concerns as justification for new limitations.
City officials, however, have framed the executive order as a public safety measure rather than a business-specific action. The order focuses on a defined section of downtown where large nighttime gatherings have become a growing concern following the fatal shooting. Local leaders say reducing crowd sizes during late-night hours may help lower the risk of additional violence while police continue their investigation.
Emergency executive orders are often used by local governments when immediate action is considered necessary to address threats to public safety. In situations involving violent incidents, municipalities may temporarily adjust operating rules for businesses or public spaces while longer-term safety strategies are evaluated.
The latest order places additional responsibility on businesses operating within the affected area to close earlier on weekends. Business owners in the designated zone may need to adjust staffing schedules, customer service hours, and operating plans until the emergency measure is lifted or modified.
The decision also highlights the ongoing challenge many cities face in balancing economic activity with community safety. Downtown entertainment districts often attract large crowds, particularly on weekends, creating opportunities for local businesses while also requiring increased security and law enforcement resources.
For customers and nearby residents, the new curfew may change weekend activity in downtown Trenton, at least temporarily. Some visitors may leave the area earlier than usual, while businesses could experience lower evening traffic during the restricted hours.
Meanwhile, Forchion continues to publicly dispute the city’s reasoning and insists his business has been unfairly singled out despite the wording of the executive order. Whether the disagreement leads to legal action or further discussions between city officials and business owners remains to be seen.
As Trenton responds to recent violence, local leaders are expected to closely monitor the impact of the emergency curfew. Officials will likely evaluate whether the restrictions help improve public safety while considering the concerns raised by affected businesses and members of the community.
Sources
- Office of the Mayor, City of Trenton
- City of Trenton, New Jersey
- New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
- Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
