The state of New Jersey makes it difficult, and expensive, to obtain liquor licenses. Some say that policy makes economic development much harder than it could be.
Nicholas Pugliese and Esther Davidowitz report on a political movement to change "New Jersey’s notoriously restrictive laws governing who can sell alcohol."
"Those laws, which date back to the post-Prohibition era, limit municipalities to one liquor license per 3,000 residents. In places where demand is high, licenses can sell for $1 million or more — if they are available at all," according to the article.
Many restaurants in the state allow customers to "Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB), but many agree that less restrictive liquor license laws would be an economic development win.
The State Legislature has repeatedly come up short in passing laws to loosen liquor license regulations. But, according to the article, "[m]omentum is growing around a proposal from Assemblyman John Burzichelli, D-Gloucester, to let restaurants purchase much cheaper permits to serve alcohol. Existing license holders who suffer losses would be compensated, possibly through state tax credits."
The article also discusses the importance of restaurants and vibrant night life scenes in revitalizing urban neighborhoods. New housing and redevelopment projects would benefit from less restrictive liquor license regulations as well, according to the article.
FULL STORY: Liquor licenses in New Jersey cost $350K and it's crippling the state's dining scene
A Sprinkle of Stores: Wrestling With Jacobs's Uncertainty
Jane Jacobs used vague terms to describe the number of stores necessary for a safe and vibrant streetscape. Here, author Fanis Grammenos attempts to discover a more specific number to attach to this prescription.
Massive Surveillance Expansion Would Focus on Nightlife in New Orleans
The city of New Orleans wants to watch you party.
Atlanta to Create New Downtown Sign District
Not everybody has the same definition of vibrant, but Atlanta recently chose the way of Times Square and the Sunset Strip.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
A Visual Celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown Elder Community, Through Food
Lanterns, cafeteria trays, and community connection take center stage in this stunning photo essay.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service