Open Container Areas Now Allowed In NJ Towns

NEW JERSEY — The Garden State is home to some of the toughest liquor laws. But very soon you may be able to crack open a beer and guzzle it while walking through town.

Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed a bill into law allowing municipalities to designate outdoor areas where residents can drink alcoholic beverages. In other words, adult pedestrians can enjoy wine, beer and other spirits while outdoors.

According to Bill S-2921 and A5554, towns will be allowed to designate the entire municipality or sections of it as an “open container area.” Such sections could be parks or downtown areas. Anyone who is 21 and older will be permitted to carry and drink open containers of alcohol.

The bill requires municipal governments to hold a public hearing on the merits of establishing an “open container area,” before they adopt an ordinance

The sale of alcohol in an open container area would be subject to statutory law, rules and regulation.

The bill was sponsored by Sens. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth), Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex); Assemblymen Eric Houghtaling, Raj Mukerji and Assemblywoman Joann Downey. Patrick Diegnan, Joseph A. Lagana, and Roy Freiman co-sponsored the bill.

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