New Jersey Division of ABC Liquor License
What are the Types of Liquor Licenses in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a “License State”. This means that the State is not involved in the actual sale or service of alcohol. Instead, the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control and local municipalities issue licenses to for the privilege to manufacture, wholesale or retail alcoholic beverages. There are a vast number of types liquor licenses (not to mention permits), some of which have never even been issued in this State. Beyond the complicated application process, New Jersey has a strict and complex regulatory scheme. Once you have obtained a license to manufacture, sell or serve alcoholic beverages, you must still remain vigilant in avoiding any statutory or regulatory violations.
List of NJ Liquor Licenses
- Class A Manufacturer
- Class B Wholesaler
- Class C Retailer
- Class D Transportation License
- Class E Public Warehouse License
- Special Permits
- Festival Event Permit
- Annual State Permit “Concessionaire Permit”
What Beverages Require Liquor Licenses in New Jersey?
As you are aware, you only require a liquor license if you are manufacturing, selling or serving alcoholic beverages. But what is an “Alcoholic Beverage?” In New Jersey, an alcoholic beverage is defined as “any fluid or solid capable of being converted into a fluid, suitable for human consumption, and having an alcohol content of more than one-half of one per centum (1/2 of 1%) by volume, including alcohol, beer, lager beer, ale, porter, naturally fermented wine, treated wine, blended wine, fortified wine, sparkling wine, distilled liquors, blended distilled liquors and any brewed, fermented or distilled liquors fit for use for beverage purposes or any mixture of the same, and fruit juices.” Sale of any food containing alcohol (that cannot be turned into a liquid for consumption) or any beverage that contain less than ½ percent by volume, will not require a liquor license.
New Jersey Liquor License Attorneys
Understanding the complex issues between State and Local authority, purchase/sale of a license, regulatory prohibitions and general business demands can be daunting. Finding a competent and experienced attorney in the field of Alcoholic Beverage Law can be difficult as few specialize in the practice. Here at Proetta, Oliver & Fay, our firm has a practice section dedicated the Alcoholic Beverage Law, Liquor License Transfers and Regulatory Compliance. Firm Partner, William C. Fay, IV, is a former Deputy Attorney General for the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. While there, he dedicated part of his career to the regulation and enforcement of New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Laws. Call (732) 858-5857 and speak with Mr. Fay about your concerns or needs. We would be happy to schedule a consultation with you regarding your case.
