New Jersey changes rules to allow for alcohol delivery

Need alcoholic beverages for a party or gathering, but don’t have time to run out to the store? There will soon be an app for that.

News 12 Staff

Aug 29, 2022, 9:28 PM

Updated 777 days ago

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Need alcoholic beverages for a party or gathering, but don’t have time to run out to the store? There will soon be an app for that.
The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control will now allow certain restaurants, bars and liquor stores to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages to customers’ homes.
The management of Max’s Beer, Wine and Liquor in Freehold says that people have become accustomed to ordering delivery since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think people get used to the fact that they don’t have to go to the stores. It makes it easier on them, especially on older people,” says general manager Dan Higgins.
Customers can now go to eligible businesses’ websites and apps to place a delivery.
“You just go on our app…place the order, schedule the time. I think it’s a 60-minute turnaround,” Higgins says.
The new rules go into effect Oct. 1. Any business interested would have to apply. They will also need a delivery driver that will undergo a background check. Once that is approved, the drivers will be required to check ID before every delivery to make sure the customer is 21 years old or older.
Max's has had delivery in place on their app and abides by all of these rules.
“Every time we deliver, we verify with an ID – the ID that matches up to the card that was used to purchase it. We don’t just leave it at the door. We make sure there’s an adult there,” Higgins says.
Craft breweries and distilleries are not yet eligible to be included in this program. Liquor delivery will not be permitted at any college or university. Any violation of the rules can result in taking away the delivery privileges.
Third-party apps that wish to deliver alcohol will have to pay $2,000-per-year fee for the permits.