Princeton U. President Shows Support For NJ Liquor License Reform

PRINCETON, NJ – During his recent visit to Council, celebrating the 10th annual dialogue between Town and Gown, Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber showed support for New Jersey’s liquor license reform.

Eisgruber’s comments were made when discussing the economic development and the vibrancy of the township.

“It may be surprising that it’s of interest and importance to the University, but I am someone who’s very glad that Governor Murphy put liquor license reform on the legislative agenda,” Eisgruber said.

“I think one of the advantages that New Jersey could get by this kind of reform is the opportunity to have more of a kind of entrepreneurial restauranteur, the young chefs, the chefs from underprivileged backgrounds or minority backgrounds, who may want to open up restaurants of the sort that I think will attract a younger population and encourage more students to stay to make their careers in the state of New Jersey.”

Responding to Eisgruber’s comments Gov. Phil Murphy thanked the University president for his support.

“Thank you, President Eisgruber, for your support of liquor license reform. Expanding access to liquor licenses will not only help young and aspiring entrepreneurs, but will also revitalize our downtowns to help convince college graduates to stay in New Jersey,” Murphy said on Twitter.

Earlier this year, Murphy proposed a plan that looks to overhaul the state’s liquor licensing system by easing prohibition-era restrictions and allowing more businesses to sell beer and wine. More: Naloxone, NJ Liquor Licenses: 4 Things Of Note In Gov. Murphy's Speech

Making the announcement during his State of the State address, Murphy said adding more liquor licenses would generate new revenue, statewide and locally, that could be “reinvested into new economic development efforts.”

Currently, New Jersey limits the number of licenses to one for every 3,000 residents in a town.

The proposed bill will also loosen the rules for wineries and breweries.

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