The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) would like to voice our support for A-299 (Mazzeo/Armato), which allows alcoholic beverages to be consumed outdoors in the Atlantic City Tourism District. Additionally, the CCSNJ supports A-3978/S-2437 (Gopal/Cryan/DiMaso/Quijano/Dunn), which limits service fees charged to restaurants by third-party food takeout and delivery applications during the COVID-19 state of emergency.    Under A-299 (Mazzeo/Armato), upon approval of a resolution adopted by the  Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), the holder of a license to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption may allow patrons that are at least 21 years of age to remove a single alcoholic beverage for consumption in an open container area.  This would be a valuable tool for Atlantic City businesses along the shoreline to help attract patrons and drive economic development. According to the most recent Tourism Economic Impact Study, in 2019 visitation to New Jersey brought the total of 116 million people. Seasonal businesses employ one in 10 New Jerseyans, and tourism represents a $46 billion industry for New Jersey. This legislation will help Atlantic City quickly recover from the impact COVID19 has had on the city.  

The CCSNJ also like to voice our support for A-3978/S-2437 (Gopal/Cryan/DiMaso/Quijano/Dunn), which limits service fees charged to restaurants by third-party food takeout and delivery applications during the pandemic. Due to the state of emergency declared in response to COVID-19, restaurants were limited to delivery and takeout offerings and increased the use of third-party food takeout and delivery applications and websites, such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. These third-party takeout or delivery services may charge restaurants a service fee exceeding 30 percent of the order price, thereby compounding the current financial strain on restaurants. This bill would protect restaurants that have been forced to change their business model to stay afloat during this pandemic.  

The CCSNJ appreciates the Legislature’s continued focus on assuring that businesses have the proper tools to mitigate the looming economic crisis a result of COVID-19. These bills will give businesses additional flexibility and protections they need as they continue to navigate the pandemic’s impact on their operations. 

Thank you for the ability to share our support on the above measures.