New Microbrewery Restrictions Sparking Response In Brick

BRICK, NJ — The Brick Township Council is set to consider a resolution opposing new rules instituted on microbreweries that brewers say will severely impact their businesses.

The resolution is in response to rules issued July 1 by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control that significantly limit activities on the premises of microbreweries. The establishments can only hold up to 25 on-site events and 52 private parties per year. Each business can attend up to 12 off-site events.

The regulations also require microbreweries to only let patrons consume their products on-site if they've taken a tour of the brewery. Repeat customers don't have to take a tour if they've gone on one in the past year, but they must complete one annually and the business must document that they did so. Read more: Microbreweries In Peril Due To New NJ Restrictions, Industry Says

"These new conditions will force these local, homegrown small businesses to rethink business models and closely consider which events they should participate in or host, which will reduce their profits and their opportunities to engage in their communities," the resolution on the agenda states.

The council also has an ordinance that would allow craft distilleries, wine-making and craft cider and meadery in addition to microbreweries.

The council is set to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the municipal building.