Earlier Alcohol Sales Now Allowed On Weekends In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Coined the "Wegmans" ordinance by one councilmember, Bridgewater passed an ordinance on Thursday allowing alcohol sales to begin two hours earlier on the weekends.

"This would make a permanent change to what has been a temporary solution typically around the holidays," said Council President Michael Kirsh at the March 2 meeting.

Councilmen Kirsh, Timothy Ring, and Allen Kurdyla voted in favor of the change while Howard Norgalis and Filipe Pedroso voted no.

In the past, the township would pass a temporary ordinance each year around the holidays to allow for establishments to sell alcohol earlier on the weekends. This newly passed ordinance would make the change permanent for not only liquor stores but also establishments serving alcohol.

"We have the issue that we've dealt with over the holidays and there is also an issue where some restaurants in Bridgewater are at a competitive disadvantage," said Ring. "One can go to neighboring Warren for a Sunday brunch and if they want a Bloody Mary with their brunch on Sunday before 11 a.m. they can have that in Warren but they can't have it in Bridgewater."

The ordinance specifically changes the sale of alcoholic beverages from beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays to 9 a.m.

Pedroso said he was worried the ordinance would impact the quality of life in Bridgewater.

"People move to Bridgewater for various reasons and likely quality of life is ranked high on that list while access to alcohol holds a very low spot. Bridgewater is a family community. While I strongly support our business establishments it is never at a cost to our quality of life," said Pedroso.

Pedroso went on to quote studies that he said showed having more access to alcohol was linked to increased motor vehicle accidents and local violent crime.

"The science is clear that increasing alcohol sales by as little as two hours will result in further crime. This will reduce our residents' safety and increase demand of our police services," said Pedroso.

Norgalis was also opposed to the ordinance.

"I guess I would call this the 'Wegmans' ordinance," said Norgalis who noted that the grocery store has repeatedly come to the council asking for "relief to sell alcohol claiming economic disadvantage. I'm sorry I think they are a very successful organization."

"It has become a liquor store that sells food as opposed to a food store that sells liquor," said Norgalis.

See the full ordinance below:

10a ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 52 (ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES), ARTICLE V (HOURS), SECTION 52-16 (“HOURS OF BUSIN... by Alexis Tarrazi on Scribd

>

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.