Brewers Guild Of NJ Applauds Assembly Action To Remove Harmful Restrictions 

from NJ Breweries

Calls on Both Houses & Governor To take Immediate Action Before Restrictions are Reinstated on July 1

(TRENTON) — The Brewers Guild of NJ today applauded the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee for passing A-4630, legislation that would repeal the harmful license restrictions imposed on New Jersey’s craft breweries.

“Since July of last year, New Jersey breweries have been struggling with onerous licensing restrictions that severely limit the way they can operate their small businesses—ranging from limiting the number of events they can hold, to banning them from providing food options or even a simple cup of coffee,” said Eric Orlando, Executive Director of the Brewers Guild of New Jersey. “As a result, every single brewery has lost numerous sales and marketing opportunities. In fact, some businesses already sadly closed their doors, while several more are up-for-sale. If these restrictions continue, New Jersey craft beer will be in serious jeopardy and our communities will suffer.”

“Consumers deserve a first-class craft beer experience when visiting a brewery here in the Garden State, and this legislation will ensure that happens,” said Orlando, who testified alongside Guild members at today’s committee hearing. “We applaud the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee for passing this bill. And we’re particularly grateful to Assemblymen Calabrese, Mukherji, and Moriarty for sponsoring this common-sense legislation. With the summer tourism season upon us, there is a pressing urgency for this measure to pass the Legislature and for Governor Murphy to sign it. New Jersey must free breweries from these damaging conditions before they are automatically reinstated on July 1st.”

Orlando added that New Jersey residents overwhelmingly oppose the restrictions on New Jersey breweries. Last month’s Stockton University poll shows 61 percent oppose regulations limiting events breweries can hold. 78% of New Jersey adults said they supported allowing breweries to sell food.