New Jersey makes selling 'to go' alcohol permanent under new law
By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... While selling alcohol "to go" in New Jersey tarted during the pandemic, Governor Mikie Sherrill made it permanent when she signed legislation in Freehold on august 28. [2026]
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The new law makes it possible for restaurants,bars and certain other businesses to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. this includes the sale of mixed cocktails in closed and sealed containers.
...... It also allows craft distilleries to sell and deliver their products for off-premises consumption under select conditions.
..... Sherrill said in a statement on Friday [08/28/2026] that the state's "small businesses shouldn't have to navigate outdated rules just to sere their customers and grow."
..... "Cocktails to-go worked, customers liked it, and small businesses told us it was another way to bring in revenue," the governor said. ""Today, [08/28/2026] we're making it permanent."
..... During the pandemic, temporary provisions were put in place to allow certain liquor licenses holders to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages. This codifies that and allows business to:
* Sell on-premises for off-premises consumption: (1) any alcoholic beverage in original containers, or (2) alcoholic beverages in closed and sealed containers.
* Deliver to consumers for off-premises consumption: (10 Mixed alcoholic beverages in closed and sealed containers or (2) malted beverages (beer, hard seltzers, etc.) in original, sealed containers. Delivery can be made by the licensed entity or licensed third-party delivery service.
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State Senator Declan O'Scanlon noted that "during the pandemic, this commonsense policy helped restaurants survive one of the toughest periods in their industry's history."
..... He went on to say he's "proud that the flexibility we gave these businesses will now be permanently available to them with the signing of this law.'