Very rarely do we find ourselves involved in other states’ issues. As the country’s number two beer producing state, we have plenty to keep ourselves busy. But when you see decisions made that are so dumb, you can’t help but discuss it.
For those not familiar, the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control recently put into effect “ABC Special Ruling of 2019” as of July 1st, 2022. Also known as the “Limited Brewery Special Ruling” (which in name alone tells you where this idiocy is headed).
We aren’t going to get into the legality of it all. You can read the full ruling here. But we will quickly recap what this means for breweries in NJ. The passing of this ruling means New Jersey breweries are now limited to the following:
• Hosting only 25 on-site activities per year (Events such as trivia, live music, etc.)
• Host only 52 private parties per year
• Attend only 12 off premises events per year
In addition to the above, this ruling also prohibits breweries from the following:
• Selling coffee on site
• Collaborating/ coordinating with food vendors/ trucks
• Selling food or operating a restaurant
• Selling specialty cocktails using malt alcohol
• Offering a free drink to any guest
• Offer Happy Hour pricing
The point about offering a free drink to any guest is particularly astonishing, as this is something the state used to incentivize Covid vaccines among state residents. A fact the team at Death Of The Fox Brewing pointed out on social media recently.
As NorthJersey.com reports, the passing of this ruling has been years in the making. “Restrictions about how a microbrewery can operate were released by the NJABC in September 2018, but were suspended in October after an outcry by brewers and owners, who said restricting events would hurt their marketing efforts. In May, 2019, the NJABC put out another special ruling clarifying and expanding the restrictions” the report confirms.
So why is this happening? Well, look no further than the restaurant industry. The NJABC feels that this ruling will “foster realistic competition” among breweries and restaurants according to NJABC director James Graziano. A liquor license for a restaurant can cost up to $1 million, whereas a license to open a brewery is a fraction of the cost.
Striping breweries of all these things is absolutely ridiculous. If you’re asking our opinion (which you’re probably not) it would appear that a whole lot of restaurant owners wielded a bit of power that will end up hurting small businesses if nothing changes.
As far as we’re concerned, New Jersey breweries are more than welcome to cross the river anytime and join the greatest state in craft beer this country has to offer.
