ASSEMBLY OVERSIGHT, REFORM AND FEDERAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1943

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 3, 2022

      The Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1943.

      This bill allows New Jersey wineries and out-of-State wineries that annually produce more than 250,000 gallons to directly ship wine to consumers. 

      Under current law, small plenary wineries that produce 250,000 gallons or less per year and farm wineries are permitted to directly ship wine to New Jersey residents and consumers residing in other states.  In addition, out-of-State wineries that annually produce 250,000 gallons or less may obtain a license to directly ship wine to New Jersey residents.  Wineries that produce more than the 250,000 gallon capacity cap are currently prohibited from directly shipping wine. 

      This bill establishes a license to allow the holder of a New Jersey winery license or an out-of-State winery that exceeds the 250,000 gallon capacity cap to directly ship up to 12 cases of wine annually to any person over the age of 21.

      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.