ASSEMBLY LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1711

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 25, 1996

      The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No.1711.

      Assembly Bill No. 1711 amends R.S.33:1-12 to remove the restriction that plenary retail consumption licensees may only sell certain prepackaged merchandise during a holiday season.

      The amendment applies to merchandise which is prepared and packaged as a unit by distillers', brewers' and vintners' and contains products or items along with an alcoholic beverage. Examples of this type of merchandise includes fruit or cheese baskets which contain a bottle of wine or an alcoholic beverage packaged with an article of clothing displaying the brand name of the beverage.

      Currently, this type of merchandise may only be sold during a holiday season. The provisions of Assembly Bill No. 1711 would permit their sale at any time.