Law Allows Businesses to Continue Expanded Service
In Trenton today, Governor Phil Murphy signed S3608/A4866 into law, making outdoor dining permissions permanent for restaurants and certain alcoholic beverage retailers and manufacturers. The permissions – initially established during the COVID-19 pandemic – were set to expire November 30, 2024, but will now be permanent, offering greater support to the food and beverage industry by facilitating opportunities to expand their licensed premises within designated outdoor space or on public sidewalk. Today’s legislation will authorize continued use of fixtures such as tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables, and chairs for outdoor dining, making permanent a law that was signed by the Governor in February of 2021.
Under the new law, the holder of a temporary expansion permit issued by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) may have their temporary permit converted to a permanent permit, which is renewable annually and is issued at the approval of local officials. The primary sponsors of S3608/A4866 are Senator Paul A. Sarlo, Senator Vincent J. Polistina, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, and Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato. “Outdoor dining was a lifeline for restaurants and bars during COVID-19 and is a way to help them thrive in a post-pandemic world while fostering lively-community-centered outdoor spaces,” said Assemblyman Roy Freiman. “With the signing of Bill A4866 into law, we create a pathway for these entities to permanently offer outdoor dining, which will benefit patrons, establishment owners, and the economy as a whole.”
