Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy indicated he would conditionally pocket veto a bill that would relax some of the tight restrictions on breweries in the state. Murphy has indicated he supports relaxing brewery restrictions, like how many guests can be on-site at one time. But he said he won’t sign legislation unanimously passed in the Assembly and Senate in June, unless it includes an overhaul of the state’s liquor licensing policies. And that’s drawing criticism.
“I think what the governor’s missing here is really the economic and social and community value that we bring to town here,” said Tim Pewitt, co-owner of Wet Ticket Brewing in Rahway.
The legislation “would’ve taken away all the restrictions on events, it would’ve allowed various food options for customers, it would’ve enhanced the ability to host off-site events,” said Eric Orlando, executive director of the Brewers Guild of New Jersey. “It also would’ve taken away the tour requirement, which has always been a thorn in the side of breweries.” The tour requirement states a customer can’t be served a beer without first taking a tour of the brewery.
Lawmakers like Sen. Mike Testa (R-Cumberland) say Murphy’s decision flies in the face of unanimous support from the Legislature to improve the craft beer industry. “I agree with Governor Murphy that there needs to be reform,” said Testa. “I think we should be much more open in our state, if someone opens a restaurant, they should be able to potentially serve beer and wine. maybe not spirits. But I think there’s a long hard discussion that can be had, and a reasonable resolution. Holding the brewery issues hostage, I don’t believe is a very real solution, nor is it fair to our breweries who are suffering.”
