On January 16, 2024, Governor Murphy signed a bill into law which reforms the liquor license laws of New Jersey. This law impacts business owners which hold an inactive license; seek to obtain a license but haven't been able to receive one due to population limits; own a shopping mall; or hold restricted brewery licenses or limited brewery and distillery licenses.

Under the new law, municipalities have the ability to reclaim inactive or "pocket" licenses if not in use for a certain period of time and then sell it to a new operator. An owner of a pocket license can take certain actions prior to the expiration of such period to preserve the license (for example, an owner could transfer the inactive license to a new owner who intends to activate the license at a defined licensed premises). In addition, municipalities have the ability to transfer one dormant license per year and two every five years to a bordering town in need of more licenses in accordance with the parameters outlined by the law.

Certain restrictions have also been lifted for craft manufacturers (such as breweries and craft distilleries), including the restriction on the number of events that can be held annually. Municipalities also have the ability to grant special licenses in connection with food and beverage establishments located within a shopping mall (such special licenses are not transferrable to another municipality) and issue a farm brewery license pursuant to the parameters identified in the law.

As these changes are enacted, Scott Silver, Esq. has joined our team as of January 1, 2024. Scott is widely recognized throughout New Jersey and nationally as the preeminent expert in liquor license law in New Jersey. He has represented numerous national companies, casinos, as well as regional businesses in various liquor license matters across the State and can guide you through the changes in the law.

If you have any questions about the newly implemented liquor license law or other liquor license questions, please call our firm.Scott Silver, Esq. can be contacted by email at: snagx@ndglegal.com

The above discussion is intended to provide general information only. It is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal advice from experienced attorneys relative to any specific matters.