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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JERSEY ALCOHOL RETAILERS PRAISE STATE ABC EFFORTS

Last Friday, August 26, 2022, the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) issued a Special Ruling (2022-15), addressing the presence of Third-Party Delivery Services within the New Jersey alcoholic beverage marketplace. In response to the Special Ruling, Michael Patalano, the incoming President of the New Jersey Liquor Store Alliance (NJLSA) released the following statement commending the ABC’s action.

“Our industry commends the ABC for its strong efforts and success of supporting developing business opportunities while maintaining very important State regulatory interests. By issuing Special Ruling 2022-15, the Division has successfully modernized its rules to permit a new business innovation that fits squarely within the framework of the mandatory three-tier system. The mandatory three-tier system is a crucial component of the New Jersey alcoholic beverage industry,” according to Patalano, who is also the owner of a Spirits Unlimited liquor store, in Ocean County.

“There is no doubt, that the emergence of third-party delivery apps played a significant role for restaurants during the height of the Covid pandemic when businesses were shuttered, and many New Jerseyans were working remotely from home,” added Paul Santelle, NJLSA Executive Director and owner of Garden State Discount Liquors, in Middlesex County. “As our industry look’s at Covid from a rear-view mirror perspective, it has become clear that the same delivery apps that helped restaurants survive can play a supporting role for helping our state liquor stores evolve post pandemic.”

The NJLSA is an association of liquor store retailers whose original charter dates back to 1934 and the repeal of prohibition. It is dedicated to protecting and defending the three-tier liquor license system as well as promoting the responsible enjoyment of alcohol here in New Jersey, while ensuring that the public safety and welfare of our citizens are always considered, when making changes to our alcohol laws.

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