ASSEMBLY COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5554

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 6, 2021

      The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. A5554.

      This bill would authorize a municipality to permit people to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors in an “open container area.” The bill defines “open container area” as a portion of a municipality or an area encompassing the entire municipality in which pedestrians are permitted to carry and consume open containers of alcoholic beverages outdoors.

      The bill requires a municipal governing body to hold a public hearing on the merits of establishing an open container area prior to a municipality adopting an ordinance.  The sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption in an open container area would be subject to statutory law, rules and regulations promulgated by the director, and municipal ordinances.

      As reported by the committee, this bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 2921, which was also amended and reported by the committee on this date.