Hillsborough Brewery 'Hurting' Following New NJ Restrictions

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough is standing behind one of its local businesses, Flounder Brewery, after New Jersey imposed new restrictions that are in turn "hurting" them.

"The state is regularly criticized for being difficult for businesses to work in and this is just another example of overreach that our leaders down in Trenton want to enact to hurt a little small business that is doing really good work in creating jobs and creating environments that people want to attend. I just don't understand why they can't just let businesses thrive on their own," said Hillsborough Committeeman Frank DelCore.

The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) issued new rules, which went into effect last month, that significantly limit activities on the premises of microbreweries. As a result, 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. Read More: Microbreweries In Peril Due To New NJ Restrictions, Industry Says

Owner of Flounder Brewing at 2 Clerico Lane, Jeremy Flounder, said the new restrictions are "hurting our business."

The Hillsborough Township Committee unanimously voted to pass a resolution opposing these restrictions at its July 26 meeting.

"This is a perfect example of special interest overreach and it is heartwarming to know that I can see the impact we have made in Hillsborough just from your guys' support to this resolution," said Flounder.

Flounder noted that with the event restriction he can no longer host any more Ukraine fundraising events at the brewery until next year since he has already hit the limit of 25 for the year.

"It is affecting us," said Flounder of the restrictions. "We opened two-fold - to be a community-centric type brewery and be a hub for charity and organizations. The second part is why we built this type of brewery to capitalize on the experience. Especially the younger generation who are drinking now. They are less about tangible items and more about experiences."

Flounder Brewery opened on the Carriage Farm property to offer guests the sights and experience of being at the 250-year-old working farm.

Additionally, he can no longer offer a 10 percent discount to veterans, military members, and first responders as a result of the restrictions.

"It makes absolutely no sense. It is a ridiculous process and I hope our leaders in Trenton come to their senses and get rid of this ridiculous rule," said DelCore.

Former Senator Tom Kean Jr., who is running for Congress, stopped by the brewery earlier last month and said, "Simply put, this is a huge government overreach that hurts breweries and customers alike."

Flounder noted that a petition has been circulating online to reverse the restrictions by the state. He noted it has more than 12,000 signatures. For more information or to sign it click here.

Hillsborough's resolution was being sent to Trenton and Governor Murphy's office.

"We hope they will reconsider and let our tourist region thrive," said Mayor Shawn Lipani.

Lipani invited residents and tourists to visit Flounder Brewing to get a prewritten petition that they can mail in to the state on their behalf.

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