Collingswood, a small suburb in Camden County, New Jersey, voted Tuesday to end a 138-year-old ban on alcohol sales, a decision that will permit the issuance of liquor licenses for the first time in generations. The referendum saw significant turnout, with approximately 3,500 residents voting to lift the ban and about 2,300 voting to maintain the town's dry status.
Town officials stated they are committed to a thoughtful and transparent process as they establish guidelines for operating hours and permit fees. Prior to this vote, Collingswood had limited exceptions allowing the sale of craft beer and wine produced within New Jersey.
The push to revisit the prohibition was initiated by a petition signed by 15% of the town's eligible voters, forcing the proposition onto the ballot. The campaign, known as "Booze on the Ballot," was driven by local residents who believe that allowing alcohol sales will bolster local businesses. "It isn’t just about ordering a drink at dinner — it’s about giving our local business district the tools to thrive in a changing economic landscape," the campaign stated on its website.
With the successful referendum, Collingswood can now issue up to four liquor licenses to businesses within the borough. If the referendum had failed, the town would have been unable to hold another vote on the matter until 2031. The last attempt to overturn the alcohol ban occurred 91 years ago, on November 5, 1935, which also failed.
This development follows a similar trend in the region, with the nearby suburb of Haddon Heights voting in 2024 to end its own 120-year ban on alcohol sales. That vote allowed for the sale of liquor in restaurants, bars, and retail stores, with 62% of Camden County voters supporting the measure.