Senator Vin Gopal, an avid supporter of New Jersey’s small business community, has introduced a bill amending current law governing local breweries.
“As a small business owner, I understand first-hand how important it is that we support our local business community. From hosting Small Business Roundtable Discussions with local business owners to introducing legislation designed to support the business community, I have dedicated my efforts to supporting our mom and pop shops which play such an integral role to our local economy,” said Senator Vin Gopal.
The Senator’s new bill (S3155) would:
• Allow Microbreweries to hold on-site and off-site special events with prior notification to ABC. Notification requirements are 10 days for on-site events and 21 days for off-site events. The brewery must also notify the host municipality.
• Allow Microbreweries to use virtual tours to fulfill their tour requirement. Tours are required before allowing customers to consume alcoholic beverages on the premises.
• Clarify that Microbreweries do not need to fulfill any tour requirements if they wish to sell products at retail for off-premises consumption.
“Recently, I have been working with brewery owners here in Monmouth County to ensure that this growing industry is well supported and has the resources necessary to thrive. I was also a vocal opponent of the State Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s (ABC) restrictions on breweries, which would have had significant detrimental impacts on this vital industry and were ultimately reversed,” said Senator Gopal.
“We have a growing number of breweries here in Monmouth County which employ countless hardworking local residents and attract multitudes of customers to the area. From the Asbury Park Brewery to the Jughandle Brewing Company, breweries have become an integral component of Monmouth County’s business community, serving as an added destination for residents and visitors alike. As this industry continues to grow, it is imperative that we have legislation in place to ensure its success.”