new jersey business & industry association

The mandatory hike kicks in on Jan. 1.

Despite pleas from the business community, New Jersey's minimum hourly rate will jump to $12 in January 2021.

"I already stopped taking outdoor reservations," said Mark Bernard, general manager of Charlie's of Bay Head.

They don't like to let people go, even if it's temporary.

Take-out and delivery are still permitted, but some eateries don't think it's worth the trouble.