Let’s drink to that!
A New Jersey suburb voted Tuesday to ditch its 138-year-old prohibition on liquor licenses, paving the way for booze sales.
Located in Camden County — roughly six miles outside Philadelphia — the borough of Collingswood had been famously dry for generations before residents backed the binding referendum, according to NJ.com.
“The outcome represents an important change for Collingswood, and the governing body is committed to approaching the next steps thoughtfully, transparently and in a manner that reflects the interests of the community,” town officials said in a statement after the vote.
Nearly half the town turned out to cast votes, with around 3,500 checking the box to lift the ban — and roughly 2,300 voting to keep the town dry.
Collingswood has a population of about 14,000, according to census data.
Town authorities plan to starting dishing out liquor licenses after establishing official guidelines for operating hours and permit fees, the outlet reported.
Some alcohol sales were technically allowed pre-referendum: craft beer and wine produced within New Jersey could still be sold under specific exemptions.
The historic vote was set in motion after a petition signed by 15% of the town’s qualified voters forced local commissioners to put the proposition on the Election Day ballot.
The campaign, dubbed “Booze on the Ballot,” was kicked off by locals who believe lifting the ban would support local businesses.
“It isn’t just about ordering a drink at dinner — it’s about giving our local business district the tools to thrive in a changing economic landscape,” the campaign posted on its website.
The successful vote allows the borough to issue up to four liquor licenses are available for businesses in Collingswood, according to the campaign.
Had the town voted to stay dry, the next referendum wouldn’t be permitted until 2031.
The last time Collingswood considered allowing alcohol sales was 91 years ago on Nov. 5, 1935, which resulted in a failed vote, according to NJ.com.
In 2024, nearby Haddon Heights also lifted its 120-year ban on alcohol sales.
Voters approved that ballot measure that proposed the sale of liquor at restaurants, bars and box stores with 62% supporting the move, according to results from Camden County.
The post Tiny NJ suburb boots 138-year booze ban in historic vote appeared first on New York Post.
