A new law provides breweries, distilleries, and other craft beverage manufacturers with additional operational flexibility. Here are the key provisions:

• Outdoor Service: Craft manufacturers can now serve alcohol outdoors with the approval of the local municipality.
• Onsite and Off-Premises Events: License holders are permitted to hold unlimited onsite events and up to 25 off-premises events per year without needing additional permits for each event.
• Production Cap: The annual production limit for holders of restricted brewery licenses has been raised to 300,000 barrels.
• Food Vendor Partnerships: Craft manufacturers are allowed to form partnerships with food vendors, provided that the operations of the craft manufacturer and the food vendor are conducted independently.
• Snack and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Sales: Manufacturers are now authorized to sell pre-packaged snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Televised Events: Showing televised events on the premises no longer requires special permits for craft manufacturers.
• Merchandise Sales: The sale of merchandise related to the craft manufacturer, such as branded apparel, is now permitted.

The prior requirement for educational tours as a condition for on-premises sales has been removed. For complete details on how these changes could affect your craft beverage business, please refer to the full text of the legislation or seek professional legal advice.

Starting August 1st, 2024, New Jersey liquor license holders should be aware of new provisions affecting inactive licenses. An inactive license is one that hasn't been used for two consecutive license terms. To prevent expiration, license holders must either use their inactive license or transfer it. Municipalities may offer a one-year extension to this period.

License holders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the options for activating or transferring their licenses to avoid forfeiture. Detailed information on these processes is available here, providing guidance on how to navigate the new law and maintain your license.

Small businesses and nonprofits can now apply for working capital loans of up to $250,000 from the NJ Capital Access Fund.

Eligible businesses have been operating for at least 12 months with a revenue of $10 million or less and fewer than 50 employees.

Loans from the Fund offer flexible terms, including no minimum credit score or collateral requirements, terms from 36 to 60 months, low fees, and competitive fixed interest rates. Additional terms apply.

The Fund was developed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and is funded by the US Treasury through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).

Certifications from the State can help set your business apart from your competitors. Being certified as a Small, Minority, Woman, or Veteran-owned Business Enterprise can qualify you for federal or local government contracts and other opportunities. Learn more about how to qualify for one of the many certifications.

New and up-and-running businesses can now follow Business.NJ.gov on Facebook! By liking our page, businesses can see all the latest information for starting and growing in the Garden State.

In less than a minute, you can update your subscriber profile and help Business.NJ.gov provide more useful information for you and your business.

Help us provide you with the most relevant opportunities and notifications by filling out this short questionnaire today.

Business Question? Speak to an Expert!

Visit Business.NJ.gov and chat with a live business expert, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.