The roller coaster ride of conflicting ABC regulations on New Jersey craft brewers seems to have come to an end – at least for now.
The roller coaster ride of conflicting ABC regulations on New Jersey craft brewers seems to have come to an end – at least for now.
Eight months after the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control backtracked on strict regulations amid a public and industry outcry, the agency has now issued a new ruling outlining in detail rules that brewers must follow.
The ride began when the 6,000 retail establishments across the state that hold full liquor licenses complained that craft brewers were getting most of the benefits of their restricted license at a far smaller annual licensing fee. That triggered the ABC to issue strict guidelines prohibiting retail sales without a tour, on-site entertainment and food service. After industry push-back, the agency reevaluated and came back this week with a middle-of-the road approach.
The new set of rulings cover special events held at the brewery, brewery tours and on-sate retail sales, serving food on site and other provisions as outlined in NJ.com.
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