On June 5, the Zoning Board of Adjustment of Red Bank, NJ unanimously approved a variance that would allow a private, members-only cigar club and restaurant to move into the vacant storefront at 22-24 W. Front St., which was formerly occupied by Power Center Gym.
The owner of the new proposed club, Saurabh Abrol, who also owns Le Malt restaurant in Woodbridge, NJ, appeared before the Zoning Board seeking a variance, as his proposed use of the space did not align with the current use allowed within the zone. It was explained during the testimony that the club would not match the borough’s definitions of either a lounge or nightclub and thus required a variance.
The club would also include a cigar store that would be open to the public and accessible via a separate entrance, and will be open from 11 a.m.-4 a.m., seven days a week. The club will include separate areas for dining and cigar smoking, and will have the capacity to host to up to 120 members at a time. Members will be required to make a reservation before coming in. The smoking section will feature multiple methods of smoke ventilation, including an EverClear system that scrubs 750 cubic feet of air per minute with activated carbon in order to neutralize the smell, so that the odor of smoke does not waft outside or disturb the residents who live in the upper floors of the building.
The club will be BYOB and members will be able to store their own bottles of alcohol in private lockers, as it does not have a liquor license. Abrol explained that the lack of a liquor license partially influenced his decision to make the club members-only as well as the desire to encourage an upscale, exclusive environment. Abrol is hoping to expand to other locations in New Jersey within the next few years.