On Monday, November 27, Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed S-3038, which enables limited breweries to hold unlimited on-premises events, and partner with food vendors for on-site menus. His veto introduces substantial modifications to liquor license regulations. If the Legislature concurs with these conditions, the new framework permits the reissuance of licenses for those who missed renewals due to uncontrollable reasons, if they apply within a year after expiration and settle the necessary fees, including a $100 nonrefundable charge. Particularly for Class C licenses, they will retain their original numbers but will now fall under new regulations set by the ABC Director if renewals are overlooked or relief isn't requested within an eight-year window.
The Governor's veto maintains the ability of municipalities to renew Class C licenses that have been inactive, with the authority to refuse renewals for licenses inactive for over two years, except in special situations such as eminent domain or fire. Additionally, it allows municipalities to issue special permits for alcohol sales in shopping malls exceeding 500,000 square feet, at a rate of one permit per 150,000 square feet. These special permits, which can't be transferred beyond the original mall, are not subject to the standard population-based limitations on liquor licenses.
The responsibility of implementing these reforms is assigned to the ABC Director, with certain aspects effective immediately and others to be enacted within 180 days. Despite these changes, Governor Murphy signals that more extensive reforms are needed, but further reform is unlikely to occur during the Lame Duck session.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.