Hoboken Councilwoman Emily Jabbour encourages Governor Murphy to sign legislation to support restaurants and continue outdoor dining

Hoboken Councilwoman Emily Jabbour today urged Governor Phil Murphy to sign into law Bill A4866, which will permanently allow restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages in outdoor parklets and streateries. Currently, Hoboken restaurants with liquor licenses are permitted to do so in approved parklets and streateries due to emergency COVID-19 regulations passed by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. These emergency regulations, originally enacted to assist restaurants and businesses, are set to expire this Saturday – November 30, 2024.

“Outdoor dining in parklets and streateries continues to be in demand and has made Hoboken restaurants even more popular as a dining destination,” said Councilwoman Jabbour. “Taking away this valuable option would not just have a detrimental impact on our hardworking business owners, but also eliminate one of the most creative and popular initiatives to come from the pandemic. I thank Governor Murphy for his consideration of this common-sense legislation and respectfully ask him to sign it into law.”

Bill A4866, co-sponsored by Assemblyman John Allen, recently passed through the New Jersey State Senate and State Assembly, and awaits Governor Murphy’s signature. The Hoboken City Council also passed a resolution calling on Governor Murphy to sign Bill A4866 at the November 18 Council Meeting with a 7-1 vote (with Councilman Presinzano voting no).

Hoboken became one of the first cities in the tri-state area to enact legislation to allow restaurants to build parklets and streateries during the pandemic. The Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), which represents Hoboken’s business community, has stated: “Parklets generate meaningful additional income and employment that was crucial to saving businesses during the pandemic and continue to do so now as significant economic turbulence and rising costs continue to necessitate creative solutions.”

Hoboken resident and business owner Anthony Pino  (Anthony David’s and Bin 14) stated: “The passing of this bill will continue to allow our local business community to thrive. It helps bring the bustling café and neighborhoods to life. During the pandemic, every business known throughout the state and country had to and still continues to change. When this bill is passed by Governor Murphy, at least the business community can rely on and build something that is concrete. In turn, we can really build our business model without looking back.” Chef Anthony Pino is also a Board Member for the Hoboken Business Alliance.

“Bill A4688 is crucial for Hoboken’s vibrant hospitality industry, making it easier for local businesses to navigate regulations and thrive. This legislation will provide business owners with the support they need to succeed while fostering job creation and stimulating our local economy. A stronger hospitality sector not only enhances our community’s charm but also attracts visitors and residents alike, ensuring Hoboken remains a lively destination of choice,” said Assemblyman John Allen, cosponsor of the bill.