Collingswood, N.J. – A November ballot measure will let voters decide whether the borough should be granted four liquor licenses under New Jersey’s population‑based system. If approved, the measure would end more than a hundred years of Collingswood’s status as a BYOB‑only community.
Local restaurants hope for a lifeline
Restaurant owners say a liquor license is essential for survival in today’s competitive market. “It’s not so much that we want one – we need one to survive,” said Franco Lombardo, owner of Sapori Trattoria Italiana on Haddon Avenue. Lombardo, whose eatery currently operates as a bring‑your‑own‑beverage venue, plans to apply for a license if the referendum passes.
He added, “I’m hoping at some point the state law will change, which would allow everybody to get one.” Lombardo’s comments reflect broader frustration with New Jersey’s restrictive licensing framework, which limits the number of permits a municipality can issue based on population.
Supporters argue the change will revitalize Main Street
Advocates of the measure argue that allowing alcohol sales will attract more visitors and support local businesses. “If we don’t bring something new to the avenue, if we don’t breathe some new life into it, allow people to come here, have a drink, walk around, shop at our stores, eat at one of our BYOB’s, we’re going to start to see more business closures,” said Joe Sperlunto, a member of the advocacy group Booze on the Ballot, which helped gather the signatures needed to place the question on the ballot.
Supporters also note that many diners expect a glass of wine or a cocktail to complement their meals, adding to a restaurant’s ambiance.
Opposition cites community character and safety
Opponents of the measure argue that the town’s quieter streets and family‑friendly atmosphere are worth preserving. “They’re quieter streets when people aren’t walking around having had two or three glasses of wine or beer, and I feel safer,” said resident Sue Ellen Raby.
Other residents, like Kristina Scallatino, see the issue as a matter of personal preference rather than a community overhaul: “If you go into a restaurant, you almost expect to have a glass of wine or a cocktail. It kind of adds to the ambiance of the place.”
How the vote will work
The referendum reached the ballot after a petition drive cleared the required signature threshold by a narrow margin—about seven signatures, according to Sperlunto. A town hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Collingswood public library, where officials will explain the licensing process and answer questions from residents.
Voters will cast their ballots on November 3. If the measure passes, Collingswood will be eligible for up to four liquor licenses, which could be awarded to qualifying establishments through a state‑approved application process.
What’s at stake for the community
The outcome of the vote could shape the borough’s economic future and its cultural identity. Proponents believe the added licenses will stimulate dining‑out activity, increase tax revenue, and help preserve local businesses. Critics fear that increased alcohol availability could alter the town’s character and raise safety concerns.
Regardless of the result, the referendum highlights the ongoing conversation in small towns across New Jersey about balancing tradition with economic development.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
