Brewers Guild of New Jersey Statement Regarding Signing of A-5444 dedicating $35 million in federal funds to support food and beverage establishments

“Food and beverage establishments are one of the largest employment segments in our state’s economy, employing well over 300,000 people prior to the onset pandemic a year ago. During the worst days of COVID-19 shutdown last year, almost 90% of the workers at these local small businesses were laid off, some permanently. Brewery and brewpub members of the Guild teetered like the rest of the state’s hospitality industry on the brink of financial ruin, not knowing if they could last and ride out the harsh business impacts of the pandemic. Today’s signing of economic relief legislation for our state’s food and beverage establishments is another important brick in the rebuilding of the entire industry, including businesses making and serving craft beer in New Jersey. This new funding, coupled with the extension of outdoor dining and new sales opportunities afforded during the pandemic, shows the Governor’s and Legislature’s commitment to all those small businesses which give our hometowns the character and sense of place which we all enjoy and wish to preserve. The membership of our Guild sincerely appreciates the continued efforts of Governor Murphy, the EDA, and the sponsors of this legislation which is still desperately needed as we begin to see better days ahead.” – Eric Orlando, Executive Director, Brewers Guild of New Jersey

Founded in 2018, The Brewers Guild of New Jersey (BGNJ) was established to better represent the policy interests of New Jersey’s pioneering independent craft breweries and brewpubs in the region’s ultra-competitive alcoholic beverage market. The Guild’s membership is the foundation of the New Jersey craft beer industry which has grown exponentially in the last decade. Our Brewery Members positively stimulate local economies and have earned national recognition for their critically-acclaimed ales and lagers. Find out more about the Guild at www.brewersguildnj.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.