Craft-Distilling Bill Will End Prohibition Style Restrictions

Over the past five years, an intense national interest in artisanal spirits has taken moonshine mainstream. And as of this summer, New Jersey is no longer regulating its commercial distilling industry according to laws written just after the United States repealed Prohibition. 

Encouraged by the recent easing of laws governing wine- and beer-making, several pro-alcohol legislators, with the help of a few loosely affiliated handcrafted liquor enthusiasts, lobbied their peers in Trenton to lower barriers to entering the distilling business.

They succeeded more quickly than observers anticipated.

At the end of June, the state Assembly approved New Jersey's first craft-distillery license with almost no dissent. Although they’re still awaiting the governor’s expected signature, supporters say the passage of this category of bills heralds a new age for entrepreneurship and agri-tourism.

“Whether it be distilled spirits in this instance, or craft beer and wine previously, legislators in Trenton are warming to the idea that what was thought to be good for the industry in the early 20th Century may not be entirely appropriate in 2013 and beyond. I hope these trends continue and interest persists in making the state more open to the craft-alcohol industry,” emailed Eric Orlando, a lobbyist who informally channeled public support for the bill.

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