New Jersey's Cocktails-to-Go Law: What Local Restaurants Say

New Jersey restaurants, bars, and hotels can now permanently sell sealed cocktails for customers to take home and have them delivered. Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Senate Bill 4384 in late August, making the practice permanent just before temporary provisions were set to expire on September 1, 2026.

The law allows eligible businesses with appropriate liquor licenses to sell sealed mixed drinks for off-premises consumption and to deliver sealed cocktails and certain malt beverages to New Jersey residents 21 and older. The delivery may be made by the license holder or a licensed third-party delivery service. Cocktails sold in containers other than their original packaging are capped at 16 fluid ounces.

The bill was sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal and Declan O'Scanlon and Assemblywomen Luanne Peterpaul and Rosaura "Rosy" Bagolie. The New Jersey Business & Industry Association highlighted the law's potential revenue benefits for hospitality businesses.

But not all local restaurant owners are rushing to adopt the practice. Union County Life checked in with Mosaico, a restaurant in Mountainside, to see how the new law is landing at the local level.

Owner Rudy Carrera says his restaurant has not adopted drinks-to-go and does not plan to.

"We have not really utilized drinks-to-go as part of our business," Carrera said. "For us, it has simply been more practical to take a conservative approach and operate within what we know we can manage responsibly."

Carrera understands the intent behind the law but raises concerns about the impact on small businesses, particularly around liability and insurance.

"I understand the intention behind the law and the desire to give restaurants additional opportunities to generate revenue," Carrera said. "However, I think there are other factors that need to be considered, particularly for small businesses."

His concern centers on the potential financial burden. "Restaurants could potentially face higher insurance costs because of concerns about underage drinking, alcohol being transferred improperly, or accidents involving alcohol purchased from a restaurant," he said.

Carrera encouraged the state to weigh the full picture for small operators. "I would encourage the state to look at the issue more broadly and consider how these policies can genuinely help small businesses while also addressing the insurance and liability challenges we already face."

He framed the concern within a broader regulatory landscape. "We want to provide jobs, serve our communities, and remain successful, but there are many layers of regulations and costs that businesses have to navigate at both the local and state levels."

The law gives eligible businesses the option to participate — it does not require them to do so. Mosaico has not generated revenue from drinks-to-go because the restaurant has chosen not to offer them.

7. FAQ

What is New Jersey's new cocktails-to-go law?
Senate Bill 4384, signed by Governor Sherrill in late August 2026, makes it permanent for New Jersey restaurants, bars, and hotels to sell sealed cocktails for customers to take home and have delivered. The temporary version of this practice was set to expire on September 1, 2026.

Which businesses can sell cocktails to go?
Restaurants, bars, and hotels that hold the appropriate liquor license can participate. However, participation is optional — the law gives businesses the choice to offer this service or not.

How are cocktails sold under this law?
Sealed cocktails and certain malt beverages can be sold for off-premises consumption. Cocktails sold in containers other than their original packaging are capped at 16 fluid ounces. Delivery can be made by the restaurant/bar or by a licensed third-party delivery service.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes. Sealed cocktails and malt beverages can only be delivered to New Jersey residents 21 and older.

Why did Governor Sherrill sign this law?
The bill sponsors — Senators Vin Gopal and Declan O'Scanlon and Assemblywomen Luanne Peterpaul and Rosaura Bagolie — promoted it as a way to help hospitality businesses generate additional revenue.

Is Mosaico in Mountainside offering cocktails to go?
No. Owner Rudy Carrera says the restaurant has chosen not to adopt drinks-to-go and does not plan to. Carrera cited concerns about liability and insurance costs for small businesses.

What are the concerns about the law?
Restaurant owner Rudy Carrera expressed concern that small businesses could face higher insurance costs due to liability risks associated with alcohol delivery, improper transfer, or underage drinking accidents. He encouraged the state to consider how the law impacts small operators facing many other regulatory and cost layers.