Open Alcohol Container Area Could Expand In Westfield Ahead Of Maize Opening

WESTFIELD, NJ —The Town Council is looking to expand where open containers of alcohol would be allowed in Downtown Westfield ahead of the anticipated Maize Cocktails & Cocina opening.

An ordinance was introduced at the Council's Sept. 10 meeting to authorize the consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain areas, specifically the Central Business District Zone and including the Westfield Municipal Lot 2 - also known as the Northside Train Station Plaza.

The long-awaited Maize Cocktails and Cocina — a globally-inspired Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar — has been working to open at the train station building for more than two years.

Now that it is nearing completion, the Town is looking to expand off its 2022 ordinance to allow off-premise alcohol in Downtown Westfield.

"In connection with that change and the pending opening of Maize, we are proposing to expand the area to include the North Avenue Train lot to allow the public to enjoy packaged wine, beer and cocktails in the plaza," said Councilwoman Dawn Makey at the meeting.

Additionally, the Council also passed a resolution at its meeting to remove the time limitation for on-premises consumption of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages.

"The initial lease limited their hours when it was unclear what the hours wuld be, and Maize has now requested they be allowed to open as late as any other bar or restaurant holding a liquor license - which is 1 a.m.," said Mackey.

That resolution was approved along with the introduction to expand the areas where consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed.

A public hearing and final reading of the ordinance will be held at the Sept. 24 Council meeting.

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