The restaurant has been ordered to remain closed until it passes a re-inspection
TRENTON -- The city's health department has ordered the closure of NJ Weedman's Joint after citing it for multiple health violations.
The inspection report and notice was dated Wednesday, the same day Ed Forchion was arrested along with 10 others after police raided his restaurant and attached cannabis temple.
"The above captioned premises must remain closed until permission granted by the Health Department to reopen," the letter reads. "Failure to comply may be cause for the issuance of a summons."
The inspector documented several violations, including:
- A pet cat and pitbull were inside the restaurant roaming;
- The kitchen handwashing sink was completely blocked and being used as storage for dirty towels;
- Water from the restroom sink was being collected in a plastic bucket because no plumbing pipes were installed;
- There were open containers of raw and cooked meats; vegetables; and jams, jellies and sauces; and
- Appliances had heavy dirt, grime and grease on them
Forchion opened the restaurant and the adjacent Liberty Bell Temple III last year across from City Hall. He sued Trenton police last month, saying they infringed on his freedom of religion by shutting down the temple for staying open too late.
"Our temple is an alternative religious organization that keeps night hours -- we cater to a late-night congregation," Forchion wrote in the complaint. "We are not a business, but a temple. We are open 24 hours."
But, it turns out, the church was never permitted.
"It has been brought to our attention that the property is currently being used as a temple for religious purposes," a March 22 letter from the city's Department of Inspections reads. "This office has no prior approval on record. You must cease and desist the use of a church/temple until all prior approval has been met."
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.