New Jersey’s alcohol laws, overseen by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), feature a strict three-tier system for manufacturing, distribution, and retail, with recent allowances for home delivery but tight restrictions on promotions like happy hours. These rules balance public safety, local control, and business interests amid ongoing reforms.​
Home Delivery Rules
Third-party services like DoorDash and Instacart can deliver alcohol from licensed bars, restaurants, and liquor stores under a $2,000 annual Third-Party Delivery Permit introduced in 2022. Deliveries require age verification, intoxication checks, and no drops on college campuses or unattended packages, with craft manufacturers ineligible. Restaurants can also sell sealed cocktails for takeout or delivery.​
Happy Hour Restrictions
Happy hours with discounted drinks are permitted in designated daily hours, but “all-you-can-drink,” two-for-one, ladies’ nights, or unlimited drinks for a flat fee are banned to curb excessive consumption. On-premise sales typically run 9 AM to 2 AM, varying by municipality, while off-premise ends at 10 PM. Note: Recent changes apply to Jersey (Channel Islands), not New Jersey.​
Key Reforms and Basics
Major 2024 legislation revived inactive licenses, eased craft producer rules, and phased out population-based license caps by 2029. The legal drinking age is 21, with 35 dry towns banning sales; BYOB thrives at unlicensed spots but not where liquor licenses exist. Firearms are prohibited on licensed premises, and Dram Shop laws hold servers liable for over-serving visibly intoxicated patrons.
