New law allows alcohol consumption in pedicabs, a boost for tourism, industry says

ASBURY PARK – Want to enjoy an adult beverage while riding around Asbury Park in a pedicab? Now you can.

On June 4, Acting Governor Nick Scutari signed a law that will regulate the operation of pedicabs and permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages in them.

The law defines a “pedicab” as a wheeled device that contains three or more wheels, operates manually with pedals, transports passengers for hire, and accommodates no more than 15 passengers.

“Pedicabs offer the opportunity to create a new business sector that will breathe added life into local economies,” Scutari said. “This will give pedicab operators every chance to succeed under a safe, well-regulated environment.”

Jesse Pomeroy, owner of Asbury Pedalcycle, called the bill groundbreaking for his business.

"We have been a staple of tourism along the shore now for the past six years and I am really projecting this to be a new level for us," Pomeroy said.

Pomeroy said the pedicabs allow visitors to patronize local bars and restaurants and easily move between them.

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The legislation, S-1505/A-462, was sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal and Senator Linda Greenstein in the Senate, and by Assemblyman Joe Danielsen and Assemblyman Calabrese in the Assembly.

Scutari, who was serving as Acting Governor, highlighted the signing at an event at Robinson Ale House in Asbury Park.

“This new law will allow our local small businesses such as pedicabs to compete and continue to prosper within the hospitality industry,” Gopal said. “Pedicabs are mom-and-pop small businesses and our support for this growing small-business sector is important.”

According to state officials, the law is designed to help pedicab operators thrive and to give New Jersey residents and tourists the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor, small group leisure activity that is well-regulated. Until now, New Jersey law did not allow passengers to drink alcohol while riding in pedicabs.

“Pedicabs are a fresh and new way to help our local businesses thrive, to support and alleviate some of the impacts New Jersey business owners still face from the Covid-19 Pandemic,” Greenstein said. “Permitting alcoholic consumption for passengers on pedicabs is a great way to promote downtown nightspots and other businesses safely.”

Under the law, pedicabs will be able to operate under the following conditions; the pedicab has been authorized to operate by ordinance of its municipality; the operator must be 21 years old and possess a driver’s license; the vehicle must be equipped with seatbelts, brakes, reflectors, headlights, and grab rails; and the operator of the pedicab cannot drive on roadways with speed limits in excess of 30 miles per hour.

The actual operator of the pedicab will not be allowed to consume alcoholic beverages while operating the vehicle, nor could the owner or operator sell passengers food, alcoholic beverages or any other liquid refreshments, according to the new law.

Alcoholic beverages allowed on the pedicab will be limited to single-serving, sealed containers of: beer; wine; hard cider; mead, other malt beverages; other fermented beverages, such as hard seltzer and hard tea; and prepared mixed beverages made with spirits. Each passenger of a pedicab will be required to be least 21 years old.

“As our economy continues to recover from the pandemic, it’s critical to give small business owners like pedicab operators every opportunity to grow their businesses and succeed,” said Assemblyman Joe Danielsen. “This new law will provide much needed guidance for their operations to protect both the driver and passengers.”

The legislation brings New Jersey into alignment with other states, such as California, North Carolina, and Louisiana, that allow alcohol on board pedicabs.

Joining Scutari and Gopal at Robinson Ale House in support of the new law were Christine Buteas of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Eileen Kean of the National Federation of Independent Businesses and Pomeroy.

Pomeroy said the legislation is special to him.

"I put a lot of time, and love, and blood, sweat and tears into this business, so it feels good," Pomeroy said, adding he has worked with Gopal for two years on the legislation.

"The reason this came about is that Sen. Gopal and his team had reached out to me during the pandemic and (asked me) how are you doing as a small business. And, during that time, obviously, I don't think anyone knew how their business was doing or going to do," Pomeroy said.

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Gopal told the Press that he talked to a lot of small businesses during the pandemic. He said they came up with "cocktails-to-go" allowing small business to sell drinks during the COVID-19 shutdown.

"We worked on a lot of red tape initiatives ... and one day we called a young entrepreneur who was trying to get his business going. (Pomeroy) was down in North Carolina, and saw it and wanted to replicate it here. I always tip my hat to those small business owners who are innovative like Jesse was," Gopal said.

The bill passed with bipartisan support.

Part of the attraction of pedicabs in other states is the ability to drink while riding in them and Pomeroy said it made sense to offer the same in New Jersey.

"A lot of people who ride these things in other states, whether it is Nashville, or Florida, or somewhere in North Carolina; they are always like 'Can you drink on this one?' So this kind of changes the whole ball game for us," Pomeroy said.

Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: CDaye@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Jersey law allows alcohol consumption in pedicabs