By Stephen Appezzato
COLTS NECK – Blending history with economic innovation, state representatives ushered in a new law aimed at revitalizing New Jersey’s oldest distilling sites.
On July 8, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a bill establishing Historic Distillery Licenses, which aims to open doors for tourism, economic development and the preservation of the Garden State’s spirits distillers.
“This is about honoring our past while investing in our future,” said State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-11) in a press statement. Gopal’s fellow District 11 representatives, Assemblymembers Luanne Peterpaul and Margie Donlon, also sponsored the law, along with District 13 State Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R) and District 36 Assemblymember Clinton Calabrese (D).
“Now that it’s signed into law, this new license will give historic sites the flexibility to grow alongside our craft distillery industry while both honoring our past and creating new experiences and revenue streams that support local economies,” O’Scanlon said. “New Jersey’s rich history is something to be celebrated,” he added.
Bill A5141/S3813 applies specifically to distilleries listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Under the new legislation, eligible distilleries can now offer a range of expanded experiences, such as onsite tastings, cocktail sales, tours and public events, without being hindered by the production limits that typically restrict craft distillers in the state.
Under current law, craft distillery license holders are limited to producing 20,000 gallons or less of distilled beverages each year.
The license, which car- ries a $1,000 fee, also permits distilleries to sell up to 5 liters of distilled spirits per person for off-premises con- sumption and provide up to three samples per customer on premises daily.
In Monmouth County, perhaps the most notable beneficiary of the new law is Colts Neck-based Laird & Company, the oldest licensed distillery in the United States.
The company received the first liquor license from the U.S. Treasury in 1780 and is most known for its applejack and apple brandy, alongside whiskeys, gins and other beverages. The Laird family has a lineage dating back to the late 17th century, when William Laird immigrated to Monmouth County from Scotland.
“We are honored to be part of this historic moment for New Jersey. For over two centuries, we’ve proudly crafted our apple spirits here in Monmouth County,” said company president Lisa Laird Dunn.
“This new law allows us to share our legacy in deeper, more engaging ways and welcome visitors to experience a true piece of living history,” Laird Dunn said. Laird & Co. and other distillers can now expand public offerings while continuing to preserve their historically significant craft. The timing of the legislation is also fitting. With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary in 2026, towns and businesses across the state are embracing their history and gearing up for special celebrations.
“By giving them the tools to welcome visitors, host events, and share their story, we’re boosting tourism, supporting local jobs, and preserving a piece of American history, especially ahead of our 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America,” Gopal said.
With the nation’s coming semiquincentennial anniversary, Peterpaul noted it’s “more important than ever to uplift the places that tell our story,” like Laird & Company. “Now they’ll have the opportunity to share that history with the public in dynamic, engaging ways. This law strengthens our local economy while giving new life to the places that helped shape it,” she said.
“It’s a smart step forward for tourism, preservation, and economic development in our state,” Donlon said.
New Jersey’s new Historic Distillery License marks a significant step for New Jersey’s craft spirits industry. As distilleries like Laird & Company prepare to launch new visitor experiences in the coming months, like tastings, guided tours and cocktail offerings, residents and tourists can engage with a local tradition right where it all began.
The article originally appeared in the July 24 – July 30, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
