Executive Director's Kegside Chat #03 - 8/04/2022

Happy Thursday Members!

I hope everyone is keeping cool on what is allegedly going to be the hottest day of the summer. It's been a busy time so let's get into it. 

The Special Ruling

I know we hoped for the Governor to respond to the thousands of letters his office has received since July 1. We continue to work with our advocacy team, allied groups, and officials. A more detailed update will be given at our meeting August 8 but please don't be discouraged. We are still in the middle of this and continue to receive support from a wide coalition including a bipartisan group of US Representatives from New Jersey and, this week, Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young. 

Remember: Our efforts are NOT a waste of time or energy. Check out our resources on the NJBA website so members and supporters can contact the Governor's Office and members of the state legislature as part of our letter writing campaign. You can find these resources here: https://www.njbeer.org/help-save-nj-beer. 

Outdoor Dining Permissions Extended

In some good news out of Trenton, Governor Murphy has signed legislation that extends the outdoor dining permissions for restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries that were set to expire in November for an additional two years, to November 30, 2024. 

Who Am I, Part 3

Chris from Eight & Sand correctly guessed that I am not related to an Oscar winner. For this week, I'll just provide one truth: I was very close to studying music in college but life took me down another path and here we are. 

My Latest Brewery Visits

Last weekend I enjoyed time with Jason at Slack Tide Brewing where we discussed progress on their new location, the importance of working with other organizations, and Mega Millions dreams. I also stopped by Behr Brewing and got to enjoy their great atmosphere. 

The Next NJBA Meeting IS:

THIS UPCOMING MONDAY, AUGUST 8 at allied member ModTek, 2550 Haddonfield Rd #E, Pennsauken Township. An agenda and Zoom information has been sent. Please note the special time of 4:30pm. 

TTB News

As we alerted members, TTB has proposed a Modernization of Qualification Requirements for Brewer's Notices. Comments are due August 8 and this will be a topic of conversation at the next Brewers Association virtual meeting this afternoon.

This Weekend's Member Activities

(If I missed an event your brewery is holding or participating in this weekend, I apologize. Please send your event information to director@njbeer.org.)

Lower Forge Brewery will be hosting karaoke on Friday, August 5 from 7pm to 9pm. 

Several NJBA members will be participating in the Jersey City Summer Beer Wine & Spirits Fest on Friday, August 5 from 6:30pm to 10pm. 

Quote of the Week

"Anyone can drink beer, but it takes intelligence to enjoy beer" - Stephen Beaumont

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just want to say hi, I'm always available at director@njbeer.org or 856-850-6610. 

Thank you for making it all the way through our third Keg-Side Chat. Talk to you next week!

Nick Capezza

Executive Director

New Jersey Brewers Association