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Historic vote nixes 150-year booze ban in once-dry New Jersey town
Collingswood, a New Jersey suburb of Philadelphia, has voted to end a ban on alcohol sales that dates back more than 150 years. The decision allows sales at licensed establishments and marks a change for a town whose food scene has long operated without local liquor licences.
On 3 November, 3,635 voters backed the measure and 2,381 opposed it, giving it 60.4% support across all 12 precincts. The restrictions began in 1873, and in 1935 residents rejected a similar proposal by 3,859 votes to 774. Deputy Mayor Amy Henderson Riley called the result historic, while residents had expressed differing views about whether alcohol sales would help restaurants or alter the town’s BYOB culture.
In short
- Collingswood voters ended a ban on alcohol sales dating to 1873.
- The measure passed with 60.4% support.
- Residents had debated the effect on the town’s restaurant scene.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ending the ban gives licensed restaurants and other establishments more options to serve customers, which supporters argue could strengthen local businesses and make the town’s food scene more sustainable. They may also see the vote as a democratic update to a restriction dating from 1873, allowing residents and businesses to choose while keeping sales subject to licensing rules.
The case against
Keeping the ban could preserve a distinctive BYOB culture that residents and restaurants value, and avoid changing the character of a town whose food scene has developed without local liquor licences. Opponents may also question whether the potential gains for businesses justify introducing alcohol sales and the changes they could bring to the community.