Garden State Liquor Retailers Association Formed

On May 26, 2023

A coalition of small business owners has launched the Garden State Liquor Retailers Association (GSLRA). According to an issued press release, the organization is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of family-owned businesses, particularly minority and immigrant entrepreneurs in the liquor retail industry.

The GSLRA supports measures aimed at maintaining the current limit of the number of liquor licenses any one individual or entity can hold. It said it will “oppose any measure that will devalue existing licenses secured through the efforts and hard-earned investments of members and their families as well as direct shipment which poses a threat to the integrity of New Jersey’s alcohol distribution system and undermines the ability of small businesses to compete”

On May 24, GSLRA brought a number of small business owners to Trenton for the Assembly Regulatory Oversight Committee meeting to advocate for “justice, equity and the preservation of Main Street values that contribute to the strength and vibrancy of New Jersey communities,” according to the issued press release.

The organization opposes Assembly bill 1283, which would remove the plenary distribution license limit for certain stores, and Assembly bill 5461 which would allow municipalities to transfer inactive alcoholic beverage retail licenses for use in redevelopment areas and allow retail distribution and seasonal consumption licenses to be converted into consumption licenses.

“Protecting and promoting the interests of our diverse membership is at the heart of what we do,” said Amrish Vakil, president of GSLRA, “By standing up for social justice, equity, and the preservation of Main Street values, we aim to create an environment where small businesses can thrive, contribute to their communities, and play a vital role in New Jersey’s economic growth.”

“Through education, advocacy and collaboration, GSLRA strives to foster a fair and thriving liquor retail industry in New Jersey,” said Kalpesh Maru, vice president of GSLRA.

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