Bill > S1173

Introduced Session

This bill allows craft distilleries to direct ship distilled alcoholic beverages to consumers. In addition, the bill allows craft distilleries to sell mixed drinks and mixed drink ingredients for consumption off the licensed premises. The bill expressly authorizes craft distillery licensees to ship up to 20 liters of distilled spirits per year to any New Jersey resident over 21 years of age for personal consumption and not for resale. In addition, craft distillery licensees would be permitted to ship distilled spirits to out-of-State residents over 21 years of age in amounts allowed by the State jurisdiction to which the distilled spirits are shipped. The bill provides that a copy of the original invoice is to be available for inspection at the licensed premises of the distillery for a minimum period of three years. The bill also establishes an Out-of-State craft distillery license that allows distilleries located in other states to ship up to twenty liters of distilled spirits per year to any New Jersey resident. Under the bill, only out-of-State distilleries that produce less than 20,000 gallons of distilled alcoholic beverages would be entitled to hold the license. In addition, the bill makes permanent provisions of P.L.2020, c.33, which temporarily entitles craft distillery licensees to sell for consumption off the licensed mixed drinks and mixed drink ingredients. P.L.2020, c.33 was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and expires: 1) six months following the date on which the state of emergency has ended; or (2) the date on which the coronavirus-related occupancy or customer seating restrictions no longer apply, whichever date occurs later. Specifically, this bill allows holders of a craft distillery license to sell for consumption off the licensed premises distilled alcoholic beverages that are manufactured on the licensed premises and mixed or blended with other alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages and sold in closed and sealed containers. The containers in which these mixed drinks are sold are required to have a tamper evident seal and hold no more than 16 fluid ounces. The bill also allows craft distilleries to sell distilled alcoholic beverages in original containers accompanied by one or more nonalcoholic beverages or food stuffs that may be combined by the consumer to prepare a mixed drink.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Raj Mukherji (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document