Summit NJ Liquor License Attorneys
Ever since the repeal of prohibition in 1933 and the implementation of New Jersey’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, the Alcoholic Beverage Industry in New Jersey has been one of the most heavily-regulated markets in the country. There are various layers of oversight including the local municipal ABC Board, NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Federal Regulators with TTB. New Jersey’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act is essentially the “ten commandments” when it comes to our liquor laws. In New Jersey, we opted to become a “Licensing State.” This means that private individuals and business entities are able to engage in the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverage so long as they possess a “liquor license.” Clients frequently call our office to ask “how can I get a liquor license in NJ?” The answer is simple yet complicated. There are various types of liquor licenses depending on the type of business you want to run. If you are seeking to purchase a liquor license, sell a liquor license, fight against a Notice of Charges from NJ ABC, Criminal Charges under N.J.S.A. 33:1-77 or seek assistance in any other facet of the Alcoholic Beverage Industry, call the ABC Attorneys at Proetta, Oliver & Fay. Firm Partner and Former NJ Deputy Attorney General of ABC, William C. Fay, IV, will sit down and discuss any concerns you have and how we can help. Call 732-858-5857 to speak with Mr. Fay or another firm attorney at your convenience. Our representatives can be reached 24/7.
How to Get a Liquor License in Westfield NJ?
In Westfield, and the rest of Union County for that matter, the local municipal council controls the issuance and renewal of each retail liquor license. This means that all bars, restaurants, go-go bars, VFWs, Elks Lodges and Hotels are under the authority of each respective town in which they are located (the exception to this would be a Conflict License). Conversely, Manufacturer’s like Microbreweries, wineries and distilleries are issued by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Under New Jersey law, there are population caps that restrict the number of liquor licenses that each municipality can issue. Furthermore, a liquor license may not be transferred between towns. Instead, they must remain in the town from where they were issued. For this reason, liquor licenses can have significant value since most towns cannot issue any new licenses due to population caps. If you are seeking to purchase a new license, purchase an existing license or sell your current license, there are certain procedures beyond basic real estate law with which you must comply. For information on this topic, contact our office at 732-858-5857. We represent clients throughout Union County, including:
- Berkeley Heights
- Clark
- Cranford
- Elizabeth
- Fanwood
- Garwood
- Hillside
- Kenilworth
- Linden
- Mountainside
- New Providence
- Plainfield
- Rahway
- Roselle
- Roselle Park
- Scotch Plains
- Springfield
- Summit
- Union Twp.
- Westfield
Liquor Law Attorneys in Elizabeth NJ
As previously mentioned, the liquor industry is heavily regulated in New Jersey. Whether you currently own a liquor license that is received a Notice of Charges or you are seeking to purchase a liquor license, it is imperative that you speak to an experienced NJ ABC Attorney. The law firm of Proetta, Oliver & Fay offers something most other firms cannot, a former NJ ABC Deputy Attorney General that heads our Alcoholic Beverage Law practice group. Mr. Fay will sit down with you and your business partners to discuss every option and help map out a plan to avoid the negative stigma and repercussions that liquor law violations carry. Call 732-858-5857 today and speak with an attorney. Do not hesitate, help is available.