New Jersey to Consider Liquor Sales in Supermarkets

Trenton, N.J. New Jersey lawmakers are again considering plans to allow beer and wine sales in grocery stores.

While 45 states allow such sales, New Jersey limits supermarket chains to two total liquor licenses. It also mandates that the liquor be sold separately from groceries, usually in an adjoining store. The New Jersey law was adopted in 1962 to prevent price-fixing and monopolization and to address organized crime.

Legislators took no action during last year's hearing, but Sen. Raymond Lesniak, the bill's sponsor, expects a vote shortly by the Senate Economic Growth committee. He predicted the bill will pass.

The measure is backed by a coalition that includes QuickChek, Stop & Shop, SuperValu, Wegmans, Pathmark, Whole Foods Market and Albertsons, which owns Acme.