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The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is cracking down on out-of-state retailers who illegally sell and ship alcohol directly to residents across the Garden State.

In a July 10 press release, the Division of Consumer Affairs announced administrative actions against nine businesses for allegedly violating New Jersey’s consumer protection laws. According to DCA, these entities engaged in the unlicensed sale of wine and spirits in the state.

The measures stem from a collaborative effort between the DCA and Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to address unlicensed shipments of alcohol. As part of the investigation, an undercover DCA agent purchased beverages from websites affiliated with nine out-of-state businesses, the state said.

According to the DCA, these businesses completed the sales, despite not having licensure to do so:

• 102 Kraft Wines Inc. dba Station Plaza Wine & Spirits New York
• Big Derby Distilling Co. dba Copperworks Distilling Co. Washington
• Hillside Winery Inc. aka Mill Bridge Winery Tennessee
• Jackson Hole Winery LLC Wyoming
• Northeast Wine Development LLC dba All-Star Wines & Spirits New York
• H.A.J. Inc. dba Sussex Wine & Spirits New York
• Robomar Inc. dba Pike’s Wine & Liquors New York
• Szkutak Wine Ventures LLC dba Samsara Wine Co. California
• A Tribute to Grace Wine Co. LLC California

Resolutions

DCA said Station Plaza Wine & Spirits and Pike’s Wine & Liquors received notices of violations seeking penalties of $4,000 apiece.

The seven other businesses resolved the allegations by agreeing to stop selling into the state without a license. Each also paid a $2,000 fine.

In a statement, DCA acting Director Elizabeth Harris said, “By taking action against these retailers, the Division is sending a message that we are prepared to use the CFA [Consumer Fraud Act] to protect consumers and hold accountable businesses operating without regard for the laws of our state.”

ABC interim Director Kristin Krueger said these steps “not only protect the public from potentially unsafe alcohol and deter sales to underage individuals; they also send a clear message that anyone attempting to ship alcohol in New Jersey without a license will be held accountable.”

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin added, “Whether in-state or out-of-state, retailers selling alcohol beverages to consumers in New Jersey must abide by the laws that help ensure lawful and proper practices in the industry. Alcohol is a substance with potential for abuse and addiction, and we will not allow retailers to skirt the laws that ensure proper regulatory oversight of its sale in our state.”