Should New Jersey Establish an Earlier ‘Last Call’ Hour?

Mom always said nothing good happens after midnight.

And while most alcohol-selling bars and restaurants in New Jersey have an average last call of 2 a.m., that decision is made by the municipality where the business is located, not the business itself. 

One New Jersey town recently approved the application of a new restaurant that will sell alcohol, but with a major caveat. The Morristown Council gave the go-ahead to the Iron Bistro, which will be established next to the Iron Bar under the same ownership, but may only sell alcohol until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 p.m. every other day.

The only state-mandated regulation, according to the Alcohol Beverage Commission, is for the sale of “distilled spirits in original containers” between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.

So should the state of New Jersey establish a law that changes the last call time for restaurants and bars? Is 2 a.m. too late? Is it too early? Let us know in the comments.