Collingswood, N.J. — On Nov. 3, voters in the Philadelphia‑suburb approved a ballot measure that ends a 150‑year ban on the retail sale of alcoholic beverages. The measure, which asked whether “the retail sale of all kinds of alcoholic beverages, for consumption on the licensed premises by the glass or other open receptacle… be permitted in this municipality?”, passed with roughly 60.4% of the vote, according to election data from Camden County.
Vote totals and historical context
Of the 6,016 votes cast across all 12 precincts, 3,635 supported the measure and 2,381 opposed it, a margin of 1,254 votes. The town’s alcohol restrictions date back to 1873, when residents of what was then part of Haddon Township voted to ban alcohol sales. A later attempt in 1935, two years after national Prohibition ended, was overwhelmingly rejected – 3,859 voted against allowing retail alcohol sales and only 774 voted in favor.
Local officials welcome the change
Deputy Mayor Amy Henderson Riley hailed the result as “historic,” noting that Collingswood is no longer a dry town after more than nine decades without liquor licenses. “That’s historic,” she wrote in a social‑media post referencing the 1935 vote.
Community reaction
Online discussion on a South Jersey Reddit forum reflected mixed feelings. Some residents praised the move, calling Collingswood “an epicenter of food in South Jersey” that deserves a liquor license, while others preferred the existing BYOB culture, emphasizing that restaurant success depends on food quality rather than alcohol sales.
Broader relevance
The vote arrives as the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a federal ban on home distilling of spirits, a law dating to 1868. While that case concerns federal regulation, Collingswood’s decision underscores a growing trend of local communities reevaluating historic alcohol restrictions.
What’s next for local businesses?
With the measure approved, licensed establishments in Collingswood can now apply for liquor licenses and serve alcoholic drinks on‑premises. The town’s planning and zoning boards will need to process applications and ensure compliance with state regulations. Business owners anticipate that the change could boost restaurant revenues and attract new dining concepts to the borough.
Looking ahead
Collingswood’s shift reflects a broader movement among municipalities to modernize outdated ordinances that no longer align with contemporary consumer preferences. As neighboring towns observe the outcome, similar ballot measures may surface in other parts of New Jersey seeking to balance tradition with economic development.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
