It is within the power of the New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control to enter establishments selling alcoholic beverages through their retail liquor licenses and request to see their accounting and record keeping books.

In the busy day to day activities of running an establishment many New Jersey liquor license owners may not always remember to update their records and this, which may seem like a harmless error, could harm their business in both the short and long term. N.J.A.C. 13:2-29.4 deals with the administration and rules regarding record keeping on an alcoholic beverage selling premises and states that unless specificed by the Director records are to be stored on the premises and are not to be more than three months old at the time of inspection.

All records on file at the establishment must be accurate and up to date on inspection, and it is recommended that if the license holder can afford a full time accountant for their business that they hire one. Having a full time accountant can ease the burden of making sure their business and financial records are updated and that their establishment will pass any inspection by the ABC.

New Jersey Administrative Code 13:2-29 deals with the rules and regulations for records and their storage at ABC licensed establishments throughout New Jersey, with N.J.A.C. 13:2-29.4 clarifying the rules regarding the storage and availability of records for inspection.

If you or someone you know has a question regarding record keeping related to their New Jersey ABC liquor license, it is recommended that they speak with an experienced New Jersey ABC lawyer who will be able to assist with any questions and discuss all aspects of a particular situation.

Contact Villani & DeLuca, P.C., at (732) 540-1233.