Sherrill taps cannabis commission official to head New Jersey alcohol agency

Paul Urbish currently leads compliance and investigations at the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission

Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Monday nominated Paul Thomas Urbish, a senior official at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, to lead the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control as the agency prepares for events associated with upcoming World Cup matches.

The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control regulates the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcohol in the state and enforces liquor laws.

Urbish earned a bachelor’s degree in history from The College of New Jersey and a law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law.

He currently serves as director of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s Office of Compliance and Investigations, where he oversees regulation and investigations involving cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, testing laboratories, and dispensaries. He previously worked at the Alcoholic Beverage Control division as a deputy attorney general from 2018 to 2021, handling matters involving liquor license appeals, permits, and municipal ordinance reviews.

“With his background in licensing, investigations, and regulating the products of New Jersey’s burgeoning legal cannabis industry, and his experience with alcoholic beverage permitting and appeals, Paul understands the important balance between enabling businesses to thrive and ensuring compliance with guardrails and consumer safety,” Sherrill said in a statement.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the agency has been working to modernize alcohol regulation while preparing for a surge in visitors connected to World Cup matches expected in the region.

“As ABC continues to streamline processes and build an alcohol regulation system based in integrity, safety, and economic opportunity, we welcome Paul Urbish’s exceptional leadership,” Davenport said.

Urbish said he hopes to help businesses accommodate “an unprecedented wave of tourism this summer” while ensuring compliance with state laws.

The nomination, which must be confirmed by the state Senate, comes as New Jersey continues implementing major changes to its alcohol laws following a series of reforms adopted in recent years affecting breweries, distilleries, and liquor licensing.

Kirstin Krueger has served as interim director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control division since April 2024. State officials credited her with helping implement recent legislative changes and preparing regulatory frameworks for World Cup-related events.