TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Senate has passed a bill aimed at revising the state’s laws governing the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal, Senator Troy Singleton, Senator Paul Sarlo, and Senator Linda Greenstein, the legislation, S-4265, seeks to rejuvenate the craft brewery industry and overhaul the state’s outdated liquor licensing system.
Key elements of the bill include:
- Allowing breweries to organize events and collaborate with food vendors, clarifying privileges granted through recent executive orders and regulations.
- Creating a farm brewery license, enabling breweries engaged in farming to produce and sell a limited amount of alcoholic beverages.
- Establishing procedures for the transfer of inactive licenses to prevent their expiration.
- Authorizing the issuance of special licenses in eligible municipalities for food and beverage establishments within existing shopping malls.
Senator Gopal emphasized the importance of supporting the growing craft brewing and distilling industry, highlighting its role in attracting tourists and boosting local businesses. Senator Greenstein echoed this sentiment, stressing the bill’s potential to remove unnecessary restrictions, thereby aiding small business owners.
The farm brewery license, similar to the existing farm winery license, would allow the production of malt beverages using locally grown farm products. Meanwhile, the transfer of inactive Class C licenses addresses concerns raised by Senator Singleton about modernizing liquor license laws without diminishing the value of existing licenses.
Senator Sarlo also pointed out the benefits of special licenses for shopping mall establishments, especially in municipalities that have reached their license population quota, aiding in post-pandemic recovery efforts.
The bill was unanimously passed by the Senate with a 36-0 vote.