New Jersey Senate Committee Advances Bill to Revamp Alcoholic Beverage Laws
TRENTON, NJ — The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has advanced a comprehensive bill, sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal, Troy Singleton, Paul Sarlo, and Linda Greenstein, aimed at revising laws governing New Jersey’s alcoholic beverage industry. The legislation, S-4265, includes provisions to support the craft brewery industry and to reform the state’s liquor licensing system.
Key elements of the bill include:
- Craft Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturers:
- Allowing craft breweries to offer certain food options and coordinate with food vendors.
- Maintaining the prohibition on operating a restaurant on licensed premises.
- Permitting unlimited on-premises special events and private parties, and a limited number of off-premises special events and social affairs.
- Farm Brewery License:
- Creating a farm brewery license for breweries engaged in farming to produce up to 2,500 barrels of malt beverages annually.
- Aligning the farm brewery license with the existing farm winery license, emphasizing the use of locally grown products.
- Transfer of Inactive Plenary Retail Consumption Licenses:
- Establishing procedures for transferring inactive licenses to prevent expiration.
- Requiring all inactive licenses to be actively used or transferred, with expiration terms set by ABC or under specific conditions.
- Special Licenses in Municipalities with Shopping Malls:
- Authorizing special licenses for food and beverage establishments in shopping malls.
- Ensuring these licenses focus on immediate consumption within the premises and not applying to strip malls.
Senator Gopal emphasized the growth of the craft brewing and distilling industry in New Jersey, highlighting the need for legislative support. Senator Greenstein noted the importance of removing restrictions to aid small business owners in the industry. Senator Singleton focused on the fair and efficient transfer of inactive licenses, and Senator Sarlo stressed the benefits of special licenses for shopping malls, particularly in municipalities that have reached their population quota for licenses.
The bill passed the committee with a unanimous 11-0 vote.