The bill proposes significant amendments to New Jersey's laws regarding alcoholic beverage licensing, particularly for craft manufacturers and various types of licenses. It clarifies the definition of "coordinate with food vendors," allowing licensees to arrange for food vendors on their premises without sharing profits. Craft manufacturers are granted the ability to serve products in outdoor spaces, offer minimal food items, and hold an unlimited number of on-premises special events without a permit, while off-premises events are limited to 25 per year with a permit. The bill also emphasizes that craft manufacturers must operate separately from other craft manufacturers and food vendors, maintaining distinct entrances and exits.

Additionally, the bill introduces new licensing categories, such as cidery and meadery licenses, and outlines the responsibilities of licensees regarding tax compliance. It streamlines the process for transferring inactive plenary retail consumption licenses between municipalities, allowing for acquisition as part of economic redevelopment plans without the previous complexities. The bill also modifies renewal procedures for inactive licenses, permitting extensions if good faith efforts are made to activate or transfer them. Overall, these revisions aim to modernize the regulatory framework, enhance operational capabilities for licensed producers, and support local economic development initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 33:1-10, 33:1-24.3, 33:1-12.39, 33:1-12.18, 33:1-12.55