(TRENTON) – An Assembly panel on Thursday approved legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Craig Coughlin, Jamel Holley, Bob Andrzejczak, Vince Mazzeo and Pamela Lampitt to allow the sale of beer and alcoholic beverages at farm markets.
The bill (A-1949/A-4118) would allow the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to issue a permit to sell beer at a seasonal farm market.
“There are some great breweries in the state that would benefit from the exposure that being able to sell their products at farm markets would provide,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “This helps promote local businesses and brands, which is good for our state.”
“Many local vendors rely on farmers markets to introduce their products to the public,” said Holley (D-Union). “This would help support local breweries who would have another place to sell their products, and create another, albeit modest, revenue source for the state.”
“This gives our breweries another avenue to sell and promote their brews,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “Any opportunity to support our regional businesses and promote Jersey made products, while supporting the local and state economy, is a good thing.”
“Given the current permit structure, selling these products at a farm market is cost prohibitive,” said Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). “This seasonal permit would allow interested vendors to participate and sell their products at our local farmer’s markets without breaking the bank.”
“Creating a seasonal permit not only helps the vendors, but the market which can benefit from having a committed vendor through the season,” said Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington)
The bill was approved by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
