SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 299

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JULY 22, 2020

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 299.

      This bill allows alcoholic beverages to be consumed from open containers on certain outdoor property located within the Atlantic City Tourism District. The bill defines an “open container area” as portions of the beach, boardwalk, and other areas within the Atlantic City tourism district, as determined by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), in which pedestrians are permitted to carry and consume open containers of alcoholic beverages.

      Under the bill, upon approval of a resolution adopted by the CRDA, the holder of a license to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises may allow a patron who is at least 21 years of age to remove a single alcoholic beverage for consumption in an open container area.  The bill requires the CRDA to hold a public hearing on the merits of establishing an open container area prior to adopting the resolution.

      Assembly Bill No. 299 is identical to Senate Bill No. 1591 of 2020-2021.