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A 4666

Permits certain for-profit movie theaters to sell alcoholic beverages under specified conditions.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 7 co-sponsors

The bill lets for-profit movie theaters obtain plenary retail alcohol licenses to sell drinks on-site before and during first-run movie showings to boost cinema revenue.

Passed by the Assembly (56-22-0)
0
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Bill Summary · A 4666

Legislative Bill Summary – New Jersey A-4666 (Session 222)

Purpose and intent

  • Authorizes for-profit movie theaters to acquire and hold a plenary retail consumption license (alcohol sales for on-premises consumption).
  • Aims to provide a new revenue stream for motion picture exhibition facilities (theaters) to support financial viability, preserve theaters as cultural and commercial anchors, and stimulate local economic activity.

Key provisions and changes

  • Eligibility and licensing authority

    • The governing body of a municipality, with approval from the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), may issue a plenary retail consumption license to a for-profit entity that regularly operates a motion picture exhibition facility primarily showing first-run movies for which admission is charged.
    • The license is to be used only at premises primarily used for showing first-run motion pictures.

  • Authorized alcohol sales

    • License permits sale of alcoholic beverages by the approved for-profit theater on the licensed premises:
    • During the two hours immediately preceding the showing of first-run motion pictures.
    • During the showing of first-run motion pictures.

  • Application and renewal fees

    • Initial issuance and renewal applications must be filed annually with the municipal governing body.
    • Standard initial issuance fee: at least $210,000.
    • Alternative lower fee: if 10% or more of alcohol sales come from beverages produced by certain categorized license holders (e.g., craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, cidery/meadery, etc.), the initial issuance fee is $150,000.
    • Payment schedule for the initial issuance:
    • One-third paid at license issuance.
    • One-third paid 9 months after issuance.
    • One-third paid 18 months after issuance.

  • License transfer and counting

    • A license issued under this section may not be transferred to be used at premises other than the same location or adjacent premises operated by the licensee.
    • Licenses issued under this section shall not be counted in determining the number of licenses under existing state caps or population-based limits.

  • Definitions (for clarity)

    • “First-run motion picture” – newly released audiovisual work shown in a movie exhibition facility during its initial exhibition period.
    • “For-profit entity” – any entity owning 10% or more of its shares.
    • “Licensed premises” – the theater/exhibition facility and any adjacent premises owned/operated by the licensee.
    • “Motion picture exhibition facility” – a theater or venue primarily for showing first-run films, open to the public or a larger organized group.

  • Effective date

    • Takes effect on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.

Who would be affected

  • For-profit movie theater operators that regularly show first-run features and charge admission.
  • Municipalities (local governments) and the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which would approve licenses and regulate eligibility and compliance.
  • Craft beverage producers (via the 10% sales-from-craft-breweries/wineries/distilleries threshold) that could influence license fee amounts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status and steps: Introduced March 10, 2026; referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee.
  • Effective timeline: If enacted, provisions become effective on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.
  • Annual renewals: Licenses require annual renewal applications.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Economic impact: potential increased revenue for theaters and ancillary economic activity in shopping/districts surrounding cinemas.
  • Industry impact: supports an evolving film-theater business model facing competition from streaming; may incentivize partnerships with local craft alcohol producers.
  • Regulatory considerations: municipalities would assess eligibility; maintaining limits on license transfers and ensuring compliance with existing alcohol-related statutes and cap rules.

Note: The summary reflects the bill text and stated intent; it does not reflect passage status or any subsequent amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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