New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1149

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Allows certain restaurants with retail licenses to deliver alcoholic beverages and food in preloaded delivery vehicles.

Impact

The bill mandates that delivery employees must be hired directly under the supervision of the license holder and emphasizes compliance with federal income tax reporting requirements. It requires these delivery employees to undergo training from an industry-recognized program to ensure they can verify the age of customers effectively, maintaining compliance with age restrictions on alcohol. Additionally, the license holders must handle payments upfront for alcoholic beverages and ensure that the delivery of alcohol is only executed in conjunction with food orders, thereby promoting responsible drinking practices.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1149 allows certain restaurants holding retail consumption licenses to deliver alcoholic beverages along with food to consumers using preloaded delivery vehicles. This bill specifically applies to those establishments that are open to the public and certified to serve table food by their employees. The main aim is to modernize and facilitate the delivery process of food and alcoholic beverages, thereby enhancing customer service and expanding business opportunities for restaurants.

Contention

Despite its potential for enhancing business operations, the bill might face contention regarding the implications of alcohol delivery. Concerns may arise regarding the ease of access to alcoholic beverages in community settings and potential challenges to local alcohol control measures. The bill suggests that delivery employees cannot accept payment upon delivery, which could also trigger discussions about operational feasibility for restaurants with varying delivery structures.

Companion Bills

NJ A3687

Carry Over Allows certain restaurants with retail licenses to deliver alcoholic beverages and food in preloaded delivery vehicles.

Similar Bills

TX HB4215

Relating to the regulation of delivery network companies; requiring an occupational permit; authorizing a fee.

NJ S3139

Requires delivery network company to maintain certain automobile insurance.

NJ A3581

Requires delivery network companies to maintain automobile insurance.

NJ A3568

Requires food delivery network company to maintain certain automobile insurance.

TN HB2175

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 55; Title 56 and Title 65, relative to delivery network companies.

TN SB2458

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 55; Title 56 and Title 65, relative to delivery network companies.

MO SB915

Modifies provisions relating to insurance coverage for certain delivery network companies

TX SB2154

Relating to the regulation of delivery network companies; requiring an occupational permit; authorizing a fee.