This bill amends current New Jersey law to allow restaurants without liquor licenses to advertise that patrons may bring their own beer or wine (BYOB) for consumption on the premises. It removes the existing prohibition on such advertising, which previously classified it as a disorderly persons offense. The bill also permits these establishments to advertise the availability of certain wines from winery salesrooms located on their premises. This change is in response to a federal court ruling that deemed the prohibition on BYOB advertising unconstitutional under the First Amendment.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that while municipalities and restaurant operators can still prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on their premises, they are now allowed to inform patrons about the option to bring their own wine or malt beverages. It also specifies that restaurants with salesrooms can promote the wines available for purchase from those salesrooms. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the rights of restaurant owners and operators while ensuring compliance with state and municipal regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:33-27