'Booze-to-go' law awaits Gov. Sherrill's signature
Your favorite drink could soon be served with your takeout order.
A push to make cocktails-to-go a permanent law in New Jersey now awaits a signature by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Your favorite drink could soon be served with your takeout order.
“It's going to be a boom. We had it during covid and it worked out very, very well and then it stopped,” said Jerry Rotonda, owner of Bum Rogers in Seaside Park.
This week, the NJ Senate and Assembly passed the bill that would let restaurants like Bum Rogers serve sealed cocktails and mixed drinks.
“It just allows us an extra revenue stream that we sorely need right now,” said Rotonda.
State Sens. Declan O’Scanlon and Vin Gopal led the bipartisan effort to bring back what many folks remember during Covid.
“Liquor stores were concerned at the beginning, but we assured them that you can't go and buy beer or vodka it's got to be a mixed drink. It's got to be something the bartender is making,” said State Sen. Vin Gopal.
“Anything that helps small mom and pops in this economy has to be good for business, finally something good the state is thinking about doing,” said Guy Madsen, of South Seaside Park.
The bill does not mean you can take that cocktail and just open it up and drink it wherever you want out in public. You must abide by local regulations.
“Oh my God, that would be awesome man I wouldn't even have to go to the liquor store anymore,” said Jackie Brueno, visiting from Whippany.
“I think it would be great. People love to get takeout down here, and drinks are a part of the whole thing about being at the shore,” said Amelia Strunck of Wycoff.
All that remains is a signature by Gov. Sherrill. Rotonda hopes it happens soon.
“It looks like the governor is going to sign it if we can get her away from the World Cup games," says Rotonda.
