Bucco Ready to Override Murphy Veto of Bill to Aid Struggling Restaurants

Senator Anthony M. Bucco vowed to continue his steadfast support of New Jersey’s small businesses, announcing that he would back an override of the Governor’s veto of legislation to help thousands of struggling restaurants and taverns survive during the pandemic.

“Throughout the COVID emergency, the Governor has continued to ignore the legislative branch and instead govern the State like an Emperor through executive orders,” said Bucco (R-25). “This bill passed both the Senate and Assembly unanimously, and the legislature cannot sit by and allow this veto to stand.”

The 15 members of the Senate Republican Caucus today wrote to Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin calling for votes to be scheduled in both legislative houses to override the Governor’s decision earlier this week to kill the bill, A-4525.

The measure would have given bars, restaurants and breweries a fighting chance by allowing expanded food and beverage service to outdoor spaces they own or lease, including patios, decks, yards, walkways, parking lots, and sidewalks.

“All across the state, restaurants are closing at an alarming rate, and it has been Governor Murphy’s overly broad restrictions that put them out of business,” said Bucco (R-25). “The Governor, by vetoing this legislation, has essentially turned his back on tens of thousands of hard-working bartenders, waiters and waitresses, chefs and cooks, and those who invested their life savings into their businesses.

“We can’t allow this veto to be the final nail in the coffin of thousands of more small businesses across the State,” said Bucco. “I will proudly provide my vote to override this indefensible veto.”