the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Michael Testa’s legislation to boost support for the arts through allowing alcohol sales at small, non-profit theaters has been signed into law.
“This law will encourage more New Jerseyans to go their local theater where they can grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the show,” said Kean (R-21). “Giving small theaters the opportunity to serve alcohol opens an untapped revenue stream to support plays and performances. This will increase foot traffic and ticket sales, and bolster non-profit theater’s bottom lines across the Garden State.”
“Local theaters give back to our communities in numerous ways,” said Testa (R-1). “This new law will help many local theaters in South Jersey continue to grow and succeed.”
Kean’s bipartisan law, A-1478/S-1648 will permit non-profit theaters with 50 seats or more to apply for liquor licenses. Testa is a co-sponsor of the law.
Kean, a longtime supporter of the arts, is a member of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. He has been named a Distinguished Arts Advocate by ArtPride NJ.
Kean is also the first co-sponsor of S-247, which would increase annual State funding for the arts, historical heritage, and tourism.
“Supporting the arts, particularly small non-profits, will strengthen every aspect of New Jersey’s vibrant arts community,” added Kean. “This law will help venues serve patrons a memorable ‘night at the theater’ experience that will help the arts and the local economy flourish.”
