[frogjerk]

In 2019, it rolled out restrictions on the number of events they could hold annually and a rule designed to make brewery tours more substantive.

This is not true. Limited Breweries in the State of NJ were never allowed to run their taprooms with events, like a bar. That was never allowed. What NJ did do was to allow Limited Breweries the ability to host 25 events per calendar year, 52 private parties, and a few other items. This special ruling ALLOWED Limited Breweries to hold these events with the requirement to notify the NJABC via a notification system. It also clarified what a "tour" was (a statutory requirement) and who had to take it. It could be virtual for customers returning to the brewery but first time visitors had to be given a physical tour.

Now that being said, I don't think there should be any restrictions with regards to events (which temporarily right now there aren't because the NJABC issued a statement due to this pending legislation sitting on old bucktooth's desk that they are not enforcing any of the rules presently, and from what I heard not until December 2023) and the tour requirement should be removed (but this requires the state assembly and state senate to pass a bill and the demented woodchuck to sign it.

One of the real issues with breweries complaining about the special ruling is that they set up their business on the foundation that they would be able to do whatever the hell they wanted in their taprooms (which I am not opposed to) but was not true when they opened their doors. They based their business model and projected revenue on a false assumption.

[frogjerk]

I’ve lived out of state for many years, so I wasn’t following this situation closely until last summer,

And it shows because the author doesn't have all of the facts correct.

[frogjerk]

With the duly passed legislation on his desk, and super-majorities of New Jerseyans indicating in polls that they want to bring their state’s craft brewing industry into the modern era, Murphy is now playing spoiler, refusing to codify the brewery relief bill in favor of holding out for “comprehensive, broad-based [liquor] license reform” in the state.

I thought in NJ that if the bill is not signed by the Governor it becomes law automatically after 10 days not including Sundays.

[frogjerk]

Governor Phil Murphy, who has called the state’s craft brewing industry “a source of pride” in the past, and partnered with breweries to offer free beer to drinkers in exchange for getting vaccinated during the pandemic.

Which was outrageous!

He was widely expected to sign the bill, and why not? Given his previous support, his John Hancock seemed a mere formality.

Because the restaurant association is lining his pockets.

[Bonemaker]

Are there any other states where beer can be brewed?

[RetiredTexasVet]

Why should breweries be the exception ... Murphy screws everything else in NJ.

[Highest Authority]

If only this was their biggest problem! NJ has been goose stepping in the wrong direction for decades!