Governor Mikie Sherrill today signed Senate Bill 4384 into law, permanently allowing New Jersey restaurants, bars, and other eligible businesses to sell and deliver "to-go" alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. This legislation codifies provisions first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were set to expire on September 1, and also extends privileges to craft distilleries.
Governor Sherrill emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses, stating, "New Jersey's small businesses shouldn't have to navigate outdated rules just to serve their customers and grow. Cocktails to-go worked, customers liked it, and small businesses told us it was another way to bring in revenue. Today, we're making it permanent." The National Restaurant Association reports that alcohol-to-go significantly increases customer preference for delivery services.
Senators Vin Gopal and Declan O'Scanlon, along with Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul, lauded the policy for its role in aiding the hospitality industry during challenging times and its continued benefit as a revenue stream. Matthew Borowski, owner of 618 Restaurant, and Daniel Klim, President & CEO of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association, both expressed gratitude, highlighting the law's positive impact on business flexibility and customer convenience.
Under the new law, retail consumption licensees can sell original containers or mixed alcoholic beverages in closed and sealed containers for off-premises consumption, and deliver mixed drinks or malted beverages. Craft distillery licensees are now permitted to sell on-premises mixed drinks and sell for off-premises consumption mixed drinks with tamper-evident seals, or original distilled beverages accompanied by non-alcoholic mixers.