TRENTON, NJ – Breweries in New Jersey have just thirty days to continue hosting events and selling food and spirits until the clock runs out on them in Trenton. The latest setback came after Governor Phil Murphy vetoed a bill that would have made the existing rules permanent beyond the existing deadline of December 31, 2023.
Murphy vetoed the bill because he wanted to expand liquor sales throughout the state and free up pocket licenses, holding the brewery industry hostage until he got what he wanted in a liquor license reform bill. At the same time, Murphy also holds existing liquor license holders on the firing line.
Those licensees, many of whom paid hundreds of thousands of dollars, fear Murphy’s demands will render their existing licenses worthless.
Murphy seeks to force communities to release those licenses and increase the amount of licenses. Murphy said he would like to see liquor sold everywhere in New Jersey, including shopping malls.
“I want to take several big steps today and leave the door open to what we can do in the future,” he said.
Murphy admitted he is using the brewery law hostage until he gets way and is hoping the issue is fully resolved by the end of the year. If not, Murphy’s executive order allowing events and food services at breweries expires when the ball falls on New Year’s Day.