Governor Signs Bill to Extend Seasonal Liquor Licenses

Trenton­– Today, Governor Murphy signed legislation sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal and Joseph Vitale that will extend the time period during which seasonal retail consumption license holders may sell alcoholic beverages during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the restaurant industry. Businesses that would usually make a major profit during the summer with their liquor licenses have been hit especially hard,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “Governor Murphy signing this bill into law will certainly assist the restaurants that have been struggling. It’s our hope that with the seasonal liquor license extensions that these businesses can financially recover from any profit they’ve lost in the last few months due to the pandemic.”

“This bill will extend the liquor license period by over a year, to make up for the months that restaurants may have lost this year,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex). “Signing this bill will certainly help restaurants and other businesses with summer liquor licenses while keeping New Jerseyans’ safety and health in mind.”

The bill, S-2597, will take effect immediately.