New law allows historic sites in new jersey to distill and sell alcohol

New law allows historic sites in New Jersey to distill and sell alcohol

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1 min read
July 10, 2025

TRENTON, N.J. — A bill establishing a new Historic Distillery License for sites listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places was signed into law, state officials announced.

Sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), the legislation allows eligible historic properties to distill and sell alcoholic beverages on-site and off-site, creating new commercial opportunities tied to the state’s heritage.

“Now that it’s signed into law, this new license will give historic sites the flexibility to grow alongside our craft distillery industry while both honoring our past and creating new experiences and revenue streams that support local economies,” O’Scanlon said.

Under the law, license holders may sell up to five liters of distilled spirits per person for off-site consumption and provide up to three samples per day per customer on the premises. The annual fee for the license is set at $1,000.

The measure is designed to support small businesses and encourage tourism at historically significant locations across the state.

The law went into effect immediately upon signing, and qualifying sites may now begin applying for the license through state regulatory channels.

Phil Stilton

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