Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of obtaining a New Jersey liquor license?
If you’re one of the aspiring entrepreneurs or restaurant owners wanting to sell alcoholic beverages, you must understand the various types of alcohol licenses and their associated costs.
So, what are the different types of licenses, and how much is a liquor license in New Jersey?
In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to sell alcohol legally. Read on!
10 Types of New Jersey Liquor Licenses & Their Costs
1. Seasonal Retail Consumption ( #34)
The license is for establishments operating on a seasonal basis, including beachside bars and restaurants or other businesses catering to tourists.
“Some liquor licenses are really, really hurting. These people would never recover.” – Diane Weiss, Executive Director of the NJLBA
This license’s fee can vary depending on the municipality, but the cost is usually 75% of the charge for a Plenary Retail license, with around $100 per day for a catering permit.
2. Theater (#37)
This is a must-have for businesses operating in theaters to be legally allowed to vend alcoholic drinks.
The fee varies based on the theater’s size and location (municipality). For example, theaters with a 1000-seating capacity can be issued with a theater license for around $250.
3. Hotel/Motel License (#36)
Serving alcohol in lodging and accommodation services requires this license. The fee for this license usually depends on the municipality, ranging from $250-$2500, and $100/day for catering services.
4. Club (#31)
As per the law, this is issued to permit NGOs to serve liquor to club members and their guests only.
The fee for this New Jersey liquor license is about $63-$188, depending on the laws set by the municipality.
5. Plenary Retail Consumption License With “Broad Package Privilege (#32)
This is acquired mostly by restaurants offering packaged alcohol sales to customers.
With this, a liquor store or restaurant can also serve alcohol for on-premise consumption. The purchase fee may be higher due to the added privilege, ranging up to $2500.
6. Limited Retail Distribution (#43)
This New Jersey liquor license is for business owners focusing on the wholesale distribution of alcoholic drinks.
License holders can market alcohol to other establishments, like restaurants and bars, rather than individual consumers.
This demands a fee of around $31-$63, depending on the distribution scale and the New Jersey division.
7. Plenary Retails Consumption (#33)
For any restaurant and bar wanting to offer alcohol, like beer [2], wine, and other spirits, the Plenary license for retail consumption is required for on-site consumption.
This is typically issued based on population density, so the liquor license cost varies based on the area’s demand, ranging from $250-$2500.
8. Plenary Retail Distribution License (#44)
This is similar to License #32 but does not include the “Privilege.” You need this if your business distributes wholesale to other establishments.
Existing license holders can hold tasting events without restrictions on the license number per municipality. The fee is around $125-$2500.
9. Retail Consumption W/Brew Pub (#38)
This is for breweries wishing to market their craft beers for on-site consumption. You must obtain this if you have a brewery and want to open a pub or taproom to offer beer to customers.
The pay associated with this license varies depending on the scale of the brewery and its location, with the price ranging from $250-$2500.
10. Plenary Transit (#13)
Smaller operators within passenger carriers, such as ships, trains, and airplanes, must have this transit license to sell alcoholic drinks [1] to passengers during their transit.
Its cost varies based on the type of carrier, such as:
- Air and train transport – around $375
- Vehicle transport – around $31
- Boat transport – around $63 (for boats up to 65ft in length), $125 (for boats up to 110ft in length), and about $375 (for boats more than 110ft in length)
New Jersey Permits Cheat Sheet
| Liquor License | Amount |
| Seasonal Retail Consumption License (License # 34) | Varies (75% of Plenary Retail License) |
| Theater License (License # 37) | Starts at $250 |
| Hotel/Motel License (License # 36) | $250-$2500 |
| Club License (License # 31) | $63-$188 |
| Plenary Retail Consumption License With “Broad Package Privilege (License # 32) | Up to $2500 |
| Limited Retail Distribution License (License # 43) | $31-$63 |
| Plenary Retail Consumption License (License # 33) | $250-$2500 |
| Plenary Retail Distribution License (Identified By License # 44) | $125-$2500 |
| Plenary Retail Consumption License W/Brew Pub License (License # 38) | $250-$2500 |
| Plenary Transit License (License # 13) | $31-$375 |
How Much Is The Annual Fee For A New Jersey Liquor License?
According to the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), the annual fees for booze licenses in New Jersey varies between $250-$2500 and are determined by the local municipality.
“Liquor licensing: Keys to toast-worthy ventures and social drink.” – Liquor Laboratory
If you’re doing a person-to-person or place-to-place transfer, you must pay an additional 10% of the Annual License Renewal Fee.
For both transfers, the required payment is 20% of the Annual License Renewal Fee during the application process.
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- How Much Are Liquor Licenses In Michigan?
How Much Are “Person To Person” License Transfers?
For the person-to-person license transfer, you must pay an additional 10% of the Annual License Renewal Fee.
This applies when you take over an established business or purchase a license from another business owner.
The specific amount of the transfer fee depends on your chosen permit type and the charges in line with the law set by your local town within New Jersey.
Fun Fact: The executive director of the New Jersey Licensed Beverage Association, Diane Weiss, believed that the priciest license sold within the New Jersey division amounts to $1.8 million.
FAQs Related to How Much is a Liquor License in New Jersey?
Is it hard to get a liquor license in NJ?
Getting a license for liquors in NJ is hard due to limited availability, high fees, and local regulations, making the process complex and competitive. Like in other states, a business owner must meet specific requirements.
Why are liquor licenses in New Jersey so expensive?
New Jersey licenses for liquors are expensive due to limited supply and high demand. There’s a limit on the number you can secure, creating a competitive business market and driving prices up.
How much is a one-day liquor license in NJ?
One-day license for liquors in NJ demands a purchase fee of $100-$150 per day. If you’re a first-time applicant, you must attach proof of non-profit status.
What is a Class D liquor license in NJ?
The Class D liquors license in NJ allows the sale of intoxicating drinks, like wine, beer, and spirits. It authorizes a New Jersey restaurant, bar, or store to serve alcoholic drinks to potential buyers for on-site consumption.
What types of liquor licenses are available in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers various types of liquor licenses, including licenses for restaurants, bars, clubs, package stores, hotels, and special event permits.
What factors influence the cost of a liquor license in New Jersey?
Several factors influence the cost of a liquor license in New Jersey, including the type of license, the population density of the area, the number of existing licenses, and the demand for licenses in the municipality.
Do liquor license prices vary depending on the county or city in New Jersey?
Yes, liquor license prices can vary significantly depending on the county, city, or even the specific neighborhood within New Jersey. Urban areas or tourist destinations often have higher demand and thus higher prices for licenses.
Are there additional costs associated with obtaining a liquor license in New Jersey?
In addition to the purchase price of the liquor license, applicants may need to pay various fees, including application fees, processing fees, background check fees, and legal fees.
What should I consider before purchasing a liquor license in New Jersey?
Before purchasing a liquor license in New Jersey, it’s essential to research the specific requirements, costs, and regulations applicable to your business type and location. Consulting with legal counsel or a licensing specialist can also provide valuable guidance throughout the process.
Bottom Line
Obtaining a license involving liquors in New Jersey can be challenging due to high demand and complex regulations.
The state licenses range up to $2500 or so, depending on the type and municipality, but the good thing is – you’re allowed to market or transfer alcoholic drinks in line with the laws.
Still, checking with local authorities for the most up-to-date information on outlays and regulations is essential before starting your application.
References:
- Alcoholic Beverage
- International Beer Day: 11 Fun Facts About Beer – The World’s Most Famous Drink After Water & Tea
