Allows wineries to obtain brewery-winery sublicense; establishes farm brewery license.
If enacted, A4764 will make significant changes to existing regulations governing alcoholic beverage licenses. The proposed winery-brewery sublicense allows the holder to brew up to 3,500 barrels of malt beverages annually, while the new farm brewery license permits brewing up to 2,500 barrels per year. Fees are also introduced for these licenses, which range from $100 to $750, making licensing more accessible for smaller producers. This regulatory shift aims to support economic development in rural areas and promote New Jersey-grown products through local brewing.
Assembly Bill A4764, introduced on October 11, 2022, focuses on enhancing the regulatory framework for alcoholic beverage manufacturing in New Jersey. The bill permits wineries to obtain a brewery-winery sublicense and establishes a new farm brewery license. This allows wineries to brew malt alcoholic beverages for retail sale, fostering an intersection between winemaking and brewing, and increasing diversity in local beverage offerings. Under A4764, both plenary and farm wineries that engage in farming adjacent to their premises can produce alcoholic beverages, thus integrating local agriculture with brewing practices.
Some potential points of contention surrounding A4764 may arise from existing industry stakeholders who might view the integrated licenses as overly lenient or potentially undermining quality standards. Additionally, the balance between regulatory oversight and facilitating new businesses in a competitive market could lead to disputes over the nuances of farm brewery versus traditional brewery operations. The bill does not allow license holders to sell beverages to wholesalers and retailers, which could influence market accessibility and business viability for operating farms.