Gov. Phil Murphy has signed legislation that will extend the time
period during which seasonal retail consumption license holders may sell
alcoholic beverages during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bill, S-2597, which will take effect immediately, was
sponsored by senators Vin Gopal and Joseph Vitale.
In a statement, Sen. Gopal says, in part, “The COVID-19 pandemic
has taken a toll on the restaurant industry. Businesses that would usually make
a major profit during the summer with their liquor licenses have been hit
especially hard. Gov. Murphy signing this bill into law will certainly assist
the restaurants that have been struggling.”
Sen. Vitale also released a statement, saying, in part, “This bill
will extend the liquor license period by over a year, to make up for the months
that restaurants may have lost this year. Signing this bill will certainly help
restaurants and other businesses with summer liquor licenses while keeping New
Jerseyans' safety and health in mind."