Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs have announced actions against nine out-of-state retailers for allegedly selling alcohol in New Jersey without a license. The retailers are accused of violating New Jersey's consumer protection laws.
Two retailers received Notices of Violation with penalties of $4,000 each. The other seven agreed to cease sales into the state without a license and pay a $2,000 penalty each.
The actions result from collaboration between the Division and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to address unlicensed alcohol shipments to New Jersey consumers.
"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," said Attorney General Platkin. "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."
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, stated: "New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act prohibits unlawful business practices, including those that violate state and federal laws." She added that these actions send a message about accountability for businesses operating outside legal boundaries.
Kirstin Krueger, Interim Director of ABC, emphasized compliance with laws providing regulatory oversight: "The enforcement actions announced today 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."
In 2023, an investigation by the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) found nine out-of-state businesses shipping alcohol directly to New Jersey consumers without licenses. A DCA investigator purchased alcoholic beverages undercover from websites affiliated with these businesses.
The involved businesses include:
- 102 Kraft Wines, Inc., NY
- Big Derby Distilling Company, WA
- Hillside Winery, Inc., TN
- Jackson Hole Winery, LLC, WY
- Northeast Wine Development LLC d/b/a All-Star Wines & Spirits NY
- H.A.J. Inc., NY
- Robomar Inc., NY
- Szkutak Wine Ventures LLC d/b/a Samsara Wine Co., CA
- A Tribute to Grace Wine Company LLC CA
Seven businesses resolved allegations through consent orders after contact with the Division. Two were issued notices of violation: Station Plaza Wine & Spirits and Pike’s Wine & Liquors.
Investigator Aziza Salikhova conducted this investigation within OCP at the Division of Consumer Affairs. Deputy Attorney General Monica Finke represented the State under Section Chief Jesse J. Sierant's supervision within Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group at Law Division.
