Governor Murphy Advocates for Modernizing New Jersey’s Liquor License Laws
TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey is championing significant reforms in the state’s liquor license regulations. Stressing the need to overhaul these “Prohibition-era laws,” Murphy aims to modernize the system, especially benefiting small, family-owned restaurants.
Murphy pointed out that post-COVID-19, states like Florida, Michigan, and New Mexico have amended their liquor license laws, removing population-based restrictions.
This approach has reportedly aided small businesses and spurred economic growth in local communities. The Governor emphasized that similar changes in New Jersey could create around 10,000 jobs annually and generate up to $10 billion in economic activity over a decade. Additionally, these reforms could yield up to $1 billion in new state and local revenues.
Under the governor’s requested plan, towns across New Jersey would add significant liquor license inventories and create more competition with legacy liquor stores and liquor license holding restaurants.
The Governor’s proposal includes activating dormant “pocket” licenses and expanding opportunities for alcohol sales in shopping malls. He expressed optimism about legislative support for these amendments, noting that they represent a significant step towards more comprehensive liquor license reform in New Jersey. Murphy remains dedicated to working with the Legislature to further advance these reforms.