The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale, and transportation of all alcoholic beverages in New Jersey. ABC’s statutory mission is to regulate and control the alcoholic beverage industry in order to foster moderation and responsibility in consumption of alcoholic beverages, to protect the citizens of New Jersey by assuring lawful, proper, and fair trade practices to maintain the stability of the industry, and protect the collection of state taxes imposed on alcoholic beverages.
Online Licenses & Permits
POSSE Online License, Permit and Brand Registration Applications
Notices
Advisories, Notices, Orders and Special Rulings
ABC Handbooks
For Retail Licensees and Municipal Clerks
Gun Free Zone
State law prohibits the carrying or possession of firearms on premises where alcohol is served for on premise consumption. For the purpose of informing the general public that firearms are not permitted, licensees are encouraged to post signs stating that under New Jersey law firearms are not permitted on the premises. To assist in this effort, the Office of the Attorney General has created “Gun Free Zone” stickers that may be used to effectuate the notice described above. These stickers and posters are available free of charge; information on how to obtain them can be found here. Signs and/or stickers should be conspicuously posted at the primary entrance(s) of the establishment.
ABC Advisory Notice AN 2024-01 – Notice to the Industry Regarding Firearms in Bars and Restaurants
ABC Alerts
NOTICE TO ALL LIMITED BREWERY LICENSEES AND LIMITED BREWERY TAP HOLDERS CONCERNING LICENSE RENEWALS FOR 2023-2024 TERM
Attention all Brand Registrants
The Brand/Product renewal process will begin on November 15, 2024, at which time Brand Registrants may initiate the renewal of their product(s) in POSSE.
The data on your renewal application reflects the products that were registered before November 15, 2024. If you have product(s) to renew that the UPC code is not in compliance or is a duplication, you must submit a” UPC update amendment”, before the renewal application can be submitted. This product amendment will be free of charge until December 31, 2024, which is the expiration of the renewal period.
All products that are registered on or after November 16, 2024 will expire December 31, 2025, and therefore, do not have to be renewed at this time. The renewal fee is $23 per product and all fees related to product renewals are non-refundable by the division.
Notice Requesting Comment on ABC’s Proposed Prescribed Template for Current Price List Filings.
The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is requesting your comments on ABC’s proposed prescribed template for the Current Price Listing (CPL) pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:2-26.4(a)(4). Comments, if any, are due by July 5, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact DAG Andrew Sapolnick at andrew.sapolnick@njoag.gov. The Notice can be viewed here.
Communications Update
ATTENTION – E-Mail is the preferred method to communicate with ABC. In-person visits to ABC offices are discouraged and none are permitted without an appointment. ABC staff are available by email and telephone. Applicants and licensees are encouraged to communicate by email. Payments due to ABC should be made by E-check or credit card. If you have a question or need information, send an email to ABCpublic@njoag.gov for a prompt reply.
ABC subscribes to a telephone translation service. If English is not your first language, please tell the ABC representative that you would like a translator. You will be asked to provide the language and/or dialect of your choice. You will be placed on hold for a short time in order to allow ABC to contact the translation service.
Many ABC services are available through POSSE, the ABC on-line licensing system. Applications available on POSSE must be submitted on line. If you need assistance with passwords, online access codes, or any technical POSSE issue, please send an email to posseadmin@njoag.gov with your license number and POSSE user ID and a brief description of the problem. If you call by phone, it may take longer to resolve your issue.
Seasonal Farm Market Permits
Applications for the Daily and Seasonal Farm Market permits are now available for certain manufacturing licensees (limited brewery, restricted brewery, farm winery, plenary winery, craft distillery, cidery and meadery) and must be filed on-line through POSSE. No paper applications will be accepted. The clerk and the police chief will be notified through POSSE when the application is filed, however, no action by municipal officials is required. Details are available at SR 2021-01 or contact the Counsel to the Director’s Office at (609) 984-2830.
Recent News
Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Settles Investigation of Buy Rite Licensees
The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“Division”) announced that it has reached an agreement with six licensees, with interests held by three individuals associated with the Buy Rite liquor franchise.
Attorney General Platkin, Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to Seek Indefinite Suspension of Four Trenton Licenses in Connection with Owner’s Criminal Charges
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced that the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has filed an Order to Show Cause (OTSC) as to why the liquor licenses of four Trenton establishments should not be indefinitely suspended.
Attorney General Platkin Announces the Retirement of Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Director James Graziano
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced the retirement of James B. Graziano after serving more than five years as the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).