New Jersey brewing laws and new legislation

I have been looking into brewing laws in NJ for some time now (original post).

Recently, bill A3063 has been introduced. It adds a Farm Brewery License to the mix, which provides for farms to sell malt beverages if they use what they grow. It does not, however, provide provision for any distribution. The beer would have to be bottled and sold for consumption off premises. There is a Facebook page supporting it here.

I think that's great, but it really doesn't help those of us looking to start a nano-brewery here in the state. So I took it a step further and have started sending emails to our state representatives. I drafted the letter below and have sent it out to sponsors of A3063 for starters. I'm going to get it out to the governor next, then anyone else who will listen.

You'll notice I included distilling licenses in there, as I think NJ really could use some good, legal, craft distillers. And I'd love to be the first

I have wanted to get involved for some time now, but it just seemed too daunting a task. Turns out it's not so bad - I'm actually enjoying reading the laws - and if you want to get involved too, I hope this helps.

Links for your perusal:
NJ laws regarding alcohol production and distribution
NY Beer laws and fees
NY Liquor laws and fees

 

Just write in big font. TAX REVENUE without raising taxes, which the governor preaches.

 

lol I may have to do that I just created a Facebook page here to chronicle my exploits. Feel free to pop in and add your two cents.

-Joe

 

Well stated letter. Good luck with it, Joe!

 

Whoops, just noticed one of my links is bad. Stupid frames. Here is the correct link to the NJ alcohol manufacturing and distribution laws.

-Joe

 

just read the other thread but i'm still confused.... can you self distribute in NJ? i.e. brewery sells directly to retailer (liquor store or bar). i guess this would be a two tier system

 

Yes, under the Limited Brewery License you may self-distribute to bars or retail establishments that are properly licensed to sell to the public.

-Joe

 

I've archived my message on my homepage at the link here. I have also included contact information for all of the sponsors of bill A3063 if you'd like to get yourself involved.

-Joe

 

My wife's cousin is engaged to Codey's kid. Maybe I'll mention this next time I see him

 

Hate to burst your bubble but Laird and Company has been distilling in NJ since 1780. Actually they are the first commercial distillery in America with license #1.

http://www.lairdandcompany.com/index2.htm

 

You are not bursting my bubble. I'd hardly call that a craft distillery

Thanks for the info, though.

-Joe

 

Hey Joe,
Would it be appropriate to send a letter to assembly members other than the sponsors of the bill at this stage? I'm not too savvy on politics but I was thinking it might be good to also have a letter for those people letting them know that there are already people in support of the measure and also make them aware of the changes that we think should also be considered.
With that, it could also be a good idea to throw up a link where people can find out who there assembly person is.

 

As long as we're respectful, I don't see the harm in contacting any or all of our representatives in the government with our ideas. I'll be sure to add that link to my Facebook page.

In addition, since the A3063 bill is currently in the Budget and Appropriations committee, it might be good to contact the voting members with your opinions.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/committees/ShowCommittee.asp

-Joe

 

While the company is based in NJ I though all the distilling was done in Virginia.

 

You may be right.

Source.

-Joe

 

Anyone down near Trenton want to help the cause and research some laws? 33:1-10 was first amended in 1938, suggesting it's a prohibition law. I'd like to see the original text and fees. Looks like the Law Library at the State Library Information Center is the place to go.

-Joe

 

Since I am so freaking lazy and spend all day reading and writing, I have no desire to craft my own letter to these politicians. I would be more than willing to send out a "generic" letter to all those involved.
I know it says Beijing over there by my location, but I was born and raised in NJ and NJ is still my state of residence (although I don't have to pay any taxes to the state!!!)
Best of luck.
Lazy Beerspit.

 

hahaha at least you're honest

Well, if you like the content of my letter, I can try to generic-ify it for you.

-Joe

 

I just sent the following email to the voting members of the Budget and Appropriations committee, along with Stephen Sweeney, the Senate President.

As I said on my Facebook page, please feel free to use it for your own emails, but be sure to personalize it to your situation. Let them know how their voting impacts your life here in NJ. Also, instead of sending a mass email blast, address each individually for a more personal touch. Show that you care.

Here are the Senators and their email addresses.

Sen. Stephen Sweeney, Sen. Pres.
[email protected]
Sarlo, Paul A. [email protected]
Stack, Brian P. [email protected]
Beach, James [email protected]
Bucco, Anthony R. [email protected]
Buono, Barbara [email protected]
Cunningham, Sandra B. [email protected]
Doherty, Michael J. [email protected]
Greenstein, Linda R. [email protected]
O'Toole, Kevin J. [email protected]
Oroho, Steven V. [email protected]
Pennacchio, Joseph [email protected]
Ruiz, M. Teresa [email protected]
Van Drew, Jeff [email protected]

 

Should we be paying the tax to be a home brewer prior to sending the letters?

 

Meh, I wouldn't worry too much about it if you're just expressing support for the bill(s), or suggestions for new legislation.

I sent mine in (just got it last week!) because I'm in the process of forming a business plan to actually start a brewery, so I'd like to show I at least made an effort to obey the laws

-Joe

 

Was this ammendment voted on yet?

 

Not that I'm aware of, no. They did just vote down a similar winery bill, though. Not good news.

-Joe

 

My mother's running for assembly. As a write-in and she supports homebrewing as a part of self reliance. The American Way.

 

Thanks for posting Nostalgia. I have been trying to look all over the internet for the brew laws in NJ and some things were quite confusing. I am in central jersey and looking to one day open up my own macro-brewery. would like to start out small and work with local bars and restaurants to sell my product to. Just read an article in the ASN about 2 guys who opened up a macro in Long Island and have a brewery that produces 1000 barrels a year and they keep everything small to keep the "home brew" feel to the whole process. I hope to make this a reality for myself. I will be sure to go to your Facebook site and also take some information from this post as well to help us all out.

 

bringing this thread back from the dead because of the important vote on Monday. email or call the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee today!

support S-641