ASSEMBLY REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND REFORM AND FEDERAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4602

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 19, 2017

      The Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Reform and Federal Relations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4602.

     This bill removes from current law a provision requiring the holder of a limited brewery license to provide a tour of the brewery when selling the brewery’s products for consumption on the licensed premises and permits the offering of light snacks to consumers on the licensed premises of the brewery.

     Under current law, the holder of a limited brewery license is entitled to brew up to 300,000 barrels of 31 fluid gallons capacity per year of malt alcoholic beverages to sell and distribute to wholesalers and retailers. These licensees are authorized to sell their product at retail to consumers on the licensed premises for on-site consumption, but only in connection with a tour of the brewery. The licensee is prohibited under current law from selling food and operating a restaurant on the licensed premises.

     Under this bill, consumers would not be required to take a tour of the brewery to purchase beverages for onsite consumption. Additionally, consumers would be allowed to either purchase, or be provided gratuitously, light snacks on the licensed premises of a limited brewery.