To Go Cocktails Could Be Permanent in New Jersey
Just when you thought you would have to give up the ability to get your cocktails to go, new laws could make it permanent.
Two bills being pushed by Senator Linda Greenstein and Senator Vin Gopal would allow retail licensees and craft distilleries to continue to serve to go cocktails with takeout and delivery.
“Making to-go cocktails a permanent staple in the New Jersey food and beverage industry will assist restaurants with long-term stability while also allowing them to recover from pandemic limitations,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “Such innovations reflect the business models adopted by some establishments in the wake of the pandemic.”
Under this bill, mixed beverages would have to be sold in sealed and closed containers and affixed with a tamper evident seal. Containers cannot hold more than 16 fluid ounces, however, any other alcoholic beverages could be sold in any size original containers.
Senator Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer) said “Given that some residents remain hesitant about returning to their favorite restaurant or bar in person, this bill represents a common-sense measure that reflects a form of new normalcy for some businesses, and one more way for these establishments to attract patrons and remain viable. Both restaurants and customers will greatly benefit from this bill.”
The second bill being proposed would permit and regulate the operation of pedicabs and the consumption of alcoholic beverages in pedicabs under these conditions:
- the pedicab has been authorized to operate by ordinance of its municipality;
- the operator must be 21 years old and possess a driver’s license;
- thevehicle must be equipped with seatbelts, brakes, reflectors, headlights, and grab rails;
- the owner of the pedicab must maintain general liability insurance of a minimum of $500,000;
- the owner of the pedicab cannot drive faster than 30 miles per hour
Currently the Garden State does not allow pedicab passengers to drink alcohol while in a pedicab.
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