Best Beer Buying Spots In New Jersey

New Jersey's alcohol market is influenced by nearby large cities like New York and Philadelphia, embracing new trends while preserving traditional practices. The state's dense population of approximately 9.2 million people in 2022, with 6.9 million within the legal drinking age bracket, makes it a lucrative market for alcohol companies. New Jersey is one of the top ten largest beverage alcohol markets in the United States, with 65.8 million cases of beer sold in 2022. The state has strict alcohol laws, including a cap on liquor licenses, allowing only one license per 3,000 residents. This means that grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations typically do not sell alcohol. So, where can you buy beer in New Jersey? The sale of alcoholic beverages is permitted in state-run liquor stores and independent bars, restaurants, and liquor stores, which are protected from large chains by state legislation. Online retailers like Wine Warehouse and Super Buy Rite offer discounts and delivery services, while bigger chain stores like Total Wine, Shoprite Liquors, and Bottle King provide a wider selection of individual bottles.

Buying beer in NJ: online vs in-store

New Jersey has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the US, with only one liquor license permitted per 3,000 residents. This means that, in contrast to many other states, alcohol cannot be purchased in grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, or gas stations.

There are, however, a number of options for buying beer both in-store and online in New Jersey.

In-store

Dedicated liquor stores are the most common place to buy beer in New Jersey. Examples of such stores include Wine Warehouse, Total Wine, Shoprite Liquors, Bottle King, Trader Joe's, and Super Buy Rite. These stores offer a range of beer, wine, and spirits, and some also provide discounts and deals.

Online

Some liquor stores in New Jersey offer online services, allowing customers to order beer, wine, and spirits for pickup or delivery. This can be a convenient option, especially for those who want to compare prices and selection across different stores without having to visit each physical location. However, it's worth noting that the online selection may differ from what's available in-store, as some stores may only offer single bottles for purchase in-person.

Direct-to-consumer shipping

New Jersey also allows for direct-to-consumer shipping of alcohol. People over the legal drinking age can order alcohol through licensed online retailers and have it delivered to their homes. This option provides added convenience and accessibility, especially for those who may not live close to a physical liquor store.

On-premise consumption

For those who prefer to enjoy their beer outside of home, New Jersey has on-premise consumption laws that allow the sale of alcohol from 9 AM to 2 AM. Many restaurants in the state have a Bring-Your-Own-Bottle policy due to the strict licensing laws, but bars and liquor stores can also sell alcohol-to-go, provided it is delivered by a licensed third-party service.

In summary, while New Jersey's alcohol laws may be more restrictive than other states, there are still a variety of options for purchasing beer, both online and in-store. Whether it's through dedicated liquor stores, online retailers, or on-premise consumption, residents and visitors can access a range of beer options to suit their preferences.

Beer in grocery stores

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage in New Jersey, with 65.8 million cases sold in 2022, making the state one of the top alcohol beverage markets in the United States. While beer can be purchased at various retailers, the laws and options for buying beer in grocery stores in New Jersey are specific.

New Jersey has strict alcohol laws, and not many restaurants or grocery stores are allowed to obtain liquor licenses. The state has a cap on liquor licenses, permitting only one license per 3,000 residents. This limit impacts the availability of beer and other alcoholic beverages in grocery stores and gas stations.

As a result of these regulations, you cannot buy beer or other alcoholic beverages in most grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, or gas stations in New Jersey. A business can only obtain a limited number of licenses, typically a maximum of two or three. Therefore, if you are looking for a quick beer purchase, popular stores like Shop Rite or Wawa will not be an option.

However, there may be rare instances where a gas station sells beer if it is attached to a convenience store or grocery store with a liquor license. Additionally, some larger chain stores, such as Total Wine, Shoprite Liquors, and Bottle King, offer a wider selection of beer, including individual bottles and mixed six-packs. These stores may have a more comprehensive range in their physical locations than what is available online.

If you are looking for a single bottle or a smaller quantity of beer, it is recommended to explore local craft beer stores or larger stores like Total Wine, which offer a broader range of options. These stores often provide the flexibility to purchase single bottles or create your own mix-and-match six-packs.

Beer in gas stations

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage in New Jersey, with 65.8 million cases sold in 2022, making it one of the top ten largest alcohol markets in the United States. However, the state's complex alcohol laws, governed by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, make it challenging to purchase beer at gas stations. Here's what you need to know about buying beer at gas stations in New Jersey:

Limited Availability at Gas Stations

New Jersey has strict regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, and it is rare to find beer for sale at gas stations. The state law prohibits any person or corporation from possessing more than two retail distribution licenses, making it impractical for gas station chains to obtain liquor licenses. As a result, you will rarely come across a gas station that sells beer.

Exceptions

Although it is uncommon, there may be a few gas stations in New Jersey that sell beer. These stations are often attached to convenience stores or grocery stores that have obtained a liquor license. However, finding such locations can be challenging and far between.

Alternative Options

Instead of relying on gas stations, there are other options for purchasing beer in New Jersey:

• Liquor Stores: Visit dedicated liquor stores or shops like Total Wine, Shoprite Liquors, Bottle King, and Trader Joe's (in Westfield and Princeton) for a wider selection of beer.
• Supermarkets: Some supermarkets, like Shoprite, may offer beer for sale, but the availability may vary by location.
• Craft Beer Stores: Explore local craft beer stores, which often offer a variety of single-bottle options and craft beers in 12-16oz cans.
• Online Options: Consider ordering beer online through licensed retailers, as New Jersey allows direct-to-consumer shipping of alcohol for individuals over 21.

It is important to note that the availability of beer may differ between cities in New Jersey, and certain municipalities have stricter regulations or are "dry towns" that prohibit alcohol sales altogether. Always remember to carry a valid ID when purchasing alcohol and follow the state's regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Buying beer in NJ without a liquor license

The state laws governing alcoholic beverages in New Jersey are among the most complex in the United States, with 29 distinct liquor licenses granted to manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), overseen by the state's Attorney General, is responsible for licensing, tax collection, and enforcing the state's laws and regulations.

New Jersey law prohibits any person or corporation from possessing more than two retail distribution licenses, making it impractical for chain stores to sell alcoholic drinks. This restriction severely limits the sale of alcoholic beverages in grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations.

However, there are some ways to purchase beer without a liquor license in New Jersey:

• Specialty Beer Stores: Some specialty beer stores, such as Total Wine, Shoprite Liquors, and Bottle King, offer individual bottles or mixed six-packs, allowing customers to purchase single bottles of beer instead of entire packs.
• Craft Beer Stores: Local craft beer stores typically offer fresh singles, although premium craft beer is often sold in 16oz cans or bottles.
• Trader Joe's: While Trader Joe's has limited beer options, they allow customers to purchase single cans from multi-packs, which can be helpful if you want to try different beers without committing to a full pack.
• Online Retailers: In some cases, the online websites of liquor stores may have more options for single bottles or smaller packs than their physical stores.
• BYOB Restaurants: In New Jersey, the practice of "bring your own bottle" (BYOB) is prevalent in restaurants that do not possess a liquor license. Patrons can bring their own beer or wine to these establishments, as long as there is no municipal prohibition against it. However, BYOB restaurants are not allowed to serve hard liquor or mixed drinks, and they must adhere to the same age and timing restrictions as licensed establishments.
• Breweries: Visiting breweries can be a great way to purchase and taste beer without needing a liquor license. New Jersey has a growing number of breweries, including microbreweries and brewpubs, that offer on-site sales and tastings.
• Wineries: New Jersey has a significant number of wineries that offer tastings and direct sales to consumers.
• Online Shipping: New Jersey allows direct-to-consumer shipping of alcohol from licensed retailers, and people over 21 can purchase alcohol this way. However, this option is limited to wine, as separate laws prohibit the shipment of beer and spirits to customers.

It is important to note that the availability of alcohol and regulations governing its sale can vary significantly from town to town in New Jersey. Additionally, some municipalities are "dry towns," where alcoholic drinks are not permitted to be sold, and no retail licenses are issued for bars or restaurants to serve alcohol. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the local laws and regulations before purchasing or consuming alcohol in New Jersey.

Buying non-alcoholic beer in NJ

New Jersey's alcohol market is a blend of influences from nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia. The state's alcohol laws are among the most complex in the US, with 29 distinct liquor licenses granted to manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

The state's alcohol laws are overseen by the Department of Law and Public Safety's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which is managed by the state's Attorney General.

New Jersey's alcohol laws vary significantly from town to town. A small percentage of municipalities in the state are "dry towns" that do not allow alcoholic drinks to be sold and do not issue retail licenses for bars or restaurants to serve alcohol to patrons.

Supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations in New Jersey rarely sell alcoholic beverages because state law prohibits any person or corporation from possessing more than two retail distribution licenses.

When it comes to buying non-alcoholic beer in New Jersey, there are several options to choose from:

• Jersey Farm Liquors
• Kearny Plaza Discount Liquors
• Wine Academy
• Giant Market

These stores are spread across the state and offer a wide range of non-alcoholic options.

In addition to these local options, there are also larger chain stores and online retailers that may offer non-alcoholic beer options in New Jersey. Some popular options include:

• Total Wine
• Trader Joe's
• Bottle King
• Shoprite Liquors
• Costco
• Whole Foods

Frequently asked questions