ASSEMBLY OVERSIGHT, REFORM AND FEDERAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1610

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  march 8, 2021

The Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1610.

     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.

     Under this bill, consumers would not be required to take a tour of the brewery to purchase beverages for on-site consumption.  However, the bill requires the licensee to make tours of the brewery available to consumers during business hours when the brewery is open to the general public and brewing, packaging, or maintenance operations allow for the conducting of a tour.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.