A Joint Resolution designating the last full week of September of each year as "New Jersey Beer, Wine and Spirits Week" and Wednesday of that week as "New Jersey Restaurant Day."

Whereas, New Jersey is home to a variety of microbreweries producing craft beer; and

Whereas, More than three dozen craft breweries and brewpubs are operating in New Jersey, with more breweries anticipated to open within the next few years; and

Whereas, Many craft beers from New Jersey have won awards at various beer competitions and festivals; and

Whereas, Craft breweries are growing across the nation, with craft beer posting a national sales growth rate of 14 percent and a volume growth rate of 12 percent in the first half of 2012; and

Whereas, In addition to New Jersey's many breweries and brew pubs, New Jersey has dozens of licensed wineries throughout the State, producing more than 40 varieties of wine; and

Whereas, Over 1.5 million gallons of wine are produced in New Jersey each year, and New Jersey is the seventh highest wine-producing state in the country; and

Whereas, The climate and sandy soil of New Jersey are well-suited to the development of sophisticated and delicious wines; and

Whereas, In 1999, New Jersey instituted the Quality Wine Alliance Program to ensure that all wines sold to consumers meet certain quality standards; and

Whereas, Wines from a variety of New Jersey vineyards have won prestigious awards for taste and quality; and

Whereas, The development of New Jersey wine complements a long tradition of superb produce cultivated in New Jersey, and adds another facet to New Jersey's designation as the "Garden State"; and

Whereas, Consumption of New Jersey wines benefits New Jersey farmers and residents and generates revenue in the State; and

Whereas, Agri-tourism in New Jersey is a thriving industry due in large part to the exceptional quality of wines produced at the many wineries throughout the State; and

Whereas, With the enactment of legislation in August 2013, craft distilleries may now produce artisan distilled beverages in New Jersey; and

Whereas, The produce of New Jersey, such as its famous sweet corn, lends itself to the production of fine distilled spirits; and

Whereas, There is great hope that the establishment of distilleries in New Jersey leads to job creation and revenue for the State; and

Whereas, The designation of the last full week of each September as "New Jersey Beer, Wine and Spirits Week" will encourage the consumption of New Jersey's exceptional beers, wines and distilled spirits; and

Whereas, New Jersey is host to a multitude of fine dining establishments, including many that allow patrons the opportunity to bring their own alcoholic beverages; and

Whereas, Dining out in New Jersey is a pleasurable way to contribute to the State's economy and support local restaurants; and

Whereas, The experience of dining out in New Jersey can be enhanced by enjoying a New Jersey beer, wine or distilled spirit along with a meal; and

Whereas, The designation of "New Jersey Restaurant Day" on the Wednesday of each "New Jersey Beer, Wine and Spirits Week" promotes the experience of consuming New Jersey beers, wines or distilled spirits at New Jersey restaurants; and

Whereas, New Jersey has the opportunity become a destination for gourmets, beer aficionados, wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts of distilled spirits as more and more consumers frequent New Jersey restaurants, breweries, wineries and craft distilleries; and

Whereas, It is therefore fitting and proper, and in the interest of the State of New Jersey and its residents, to designate the last full week of each September as "New Jersey Beer, Wine and Spirits Week" and Wednesday of that week as "New Jersey Restaurant Day"; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The last full week of September of each year is designated as "New Jersey Beer, Wine and Spirits Week," and Wednesday of that week is designated as "New Jersey Restaurant Day" to encourage the dual experience of consumption of New Jersey beer, wine and distilled spirits in New Jersey restaurants.

2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, and all residents of this State, to observe "New Jersey Beer, Wine and Spirits Week" and "New Jersey Restaurant Day" with appropriate events and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates the last full week of September of each year as "New Jersey Beer, Wine and Spirits Week" and Wednesday of that week as "New Jersey Restaurant Day."

New Jersey is home to a variety of microbreweries producing craft beers. The craft-brewing industry is rapidly growing, and several beers produced in New Jersey have won awards and gained recognition at various competitions and festivals.

Additionally, although New Jersey has long and well-deservedly been recognized as an exceptional source of produce, the State's wine industry is still a relatively undiscovered treasure.

New Jersey produces over 1.5 million gallons of wine each year, making New Jersey the seventh largest wine-producing state in the United States. As the climate and sandy soil of New Jersey provide the ideal environment to cultivate grapes, many of New Jersey's wines have received prestigious awards and are recognized for their quality.

Moreover, the enactment of legislation in August 2013 allows for the licensing of distilleries for the production of distilled spirits. There is great hope that the licensing of distilleries leads to job production and revenue generation in New Jersey.

With the multitude of fine dining establishments in New Jersey, many of them allowing patrons to bring their own wine, beer and distilled spirits, there is a great opportunity to enjoy New Jersey wine in New Jersey restaurants. Supporting New Jersey's beer, wine, distilled spirits and restaurant industries is a pleasurable way to contribute to the State's economy.

It is the sponsor's hope that by designating "New Jersey Beer, Wine and Spirits Week" and "New Jersey Restaurant Day," more and more people will come to appreciate New Jersey's beer, wine and distilled spirits and restaurants.