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."