Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC): What NJ Bar and Restaurant Owners Need to Know

What is the ABC, and how do they affect my bar or restaurant?

Bar and restaurant owners in New Jersey are subject to a variety of regulations outlined in the state Administrative Code.

Several of those regulations are enforced by the NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which oversees licensing, permits, and other issues related to buying and selling alcoholic beverages in the state.

The ABC also has the discretion to suspend or revoke your liquor license if you are found to have violated ABC regulations. Hopefully, your business with the ABC is limited to securing and the upkeep of your license.

However, many business owners find themselves involved in ABC investigations that can result in a variety of outcomes ranging from a simple warning letter to revocation of the liquor license.

New Jersey's regulations around alcoholic beverage sales are especially complex, so it is not unusual for business owners to find themselves subject to an ABC investigation. In addition to random and cause-related investigations initiated by the ABC, municipal complaints against bars and restaurants are also investigated by the state.

If you are pursuing a liquor license for your bar or restaurant, a qualified attorney can help.

The application process can be complicated and time-consuming, but an experienced attorney can complete the process quickly and accurately. With the proper legal representation, you can avoid delays from application errors.

How can an attorney help if I am being investigated by the ABC?

In the unfortunate event that you find yourself being investigated by the ABC, a qualified attorney will ensure that your investigation is conducted ethically and appropriately. Your attorney helps you to understand the complexities of any violations you are being accused of and what changes if any, you need to make to bring your operation back into compliance.

Without the guidance of an experienced attorney who understands the ABC investigation process, you could end up with a far less favorable outcome, paying unnecessary fees or even facing a temporary or permanent revocation of your liquor license.

If your bar or restaurant is navigating issues with the ABC, the Law Office of H. Benjamin Sharlin LLC is your advocate and will guide you through the process.

Bureaucracy should not prevent your business from serving its customers, and your profits should not suffer because of administrative delays. Contact the Law Office of H. Benjamin Sharlin LLC today to learn how we can help you.