New Jersey is not known as a particularly business friendly state. It seems that hardly a quarter goes by without a chamber of commerce or business organization remarking on the state’s high costs of doing business, excessive regulations, and other undesirable features of the state. What these individuals often forget to mention is that the state is still home to economic opportunity. It is uniquely and strategically positioned on the I-95 corridor and is located between the major metropolises of New York City and Philadelphia. The state also boasts world-class colleges and universities that have led to the growth of one of the largest enclaves of pharmaceutical companies in the world and a burgeoning technology start-up sector.

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As any entrepreneur can tell you, starting or running a small business takes a significant amount of time, energy, and money. All too often, it can be tempting for a business owner to take the path of least resistance and not address a concern until it becomes a problem. However such a reactionary leadership style and approach to business is rarely the most prudent course of action. In fact, taking a wait and see approach can foreclose opportunities to plan for difficult eventualities or to correct a concern before it grows into a major problem or litigation that threatens the continued existence of your company.

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New Jersey is home to diverse and vibrant communities with roots stretching back to all parts of the world. Perhaps this is no surprise, as New Jersey has long represented a gateway to the United States for immigrants. While in days gone by Ellis Island was the port of entry, today many visitors and future residents arrive through the Newark airport and the other area airports. While some communities have been part of New Jersey’s cultural fabric for generations, others are just establishing themselves in the state. Many communities strive to establish businesses and traditions that remind them of what they left behind and that permit members of the community to live in accord with their closely held personal and religious beliefs. Perhaps two of the most well-known examples of this are Kosher foods and Halal foods.

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Gyms, weight-lifting facilities, and health clubs all provide a valuable service to the general public. They permit New Jerseyans to maintain their physical health and well-being even during the difficult winter months when exercise outdoors is impractical or even dangerous due to snow or ice. However, few people truly consider the amount of business and legal planning that is necessary to operate a successful fitness facility. Aside from ensuring that the business will be profitable and can sustain itself, sellers of health club services in the state must also comply with registration requirements and a number of government regulations.

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During the first week of February 2015, Governor Christie signed Senate Bill 1870 into law as the “Pet Purchase Protection Act” The act had previously found universal support in the State Assembly and Senate. The Act will take force by amending Section 2 of P.L.1999, c.336 (C.56:8-93) which regulates the sale of pets in New Jersey.

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The US Supreme Court is considering the extent of protections that pregnant workers are entitled to in a case brought against United Parcel Services (UPS). While the court has not yet reached a decision on the matter briefs have been file, oral argument has been conducted and we have a sound idea of the positions of each party.  In light of the questions asked by the Justices, this matter can be instructive for employers in order to avoid potential financial liability due to a employment discrimination claim.

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New Jersey health insurance companies will now be required to protect customer health care records. The legislation was signed into law on January 9, 2015 by Governor Christie. The new law signals a strengthened commitment to protect confidential consumer data, but the law is not without its burdens. The new standards will require healthcare companies to assess the law and their own systems and practices so that a compliance plan to achieve compliance can be achieved. Compliance with this law is important because failure to comply may create liability under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act.

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One of the peculiarities of New Jersey’s liquor laws is that despite it being illegal for an unlicensed restaurant or dining establishment to sell alcohol, BYOB facilities where patrons can bring and consume their own beer or wine on the premises can be entirely permissible. While such an arrangement often works out to be financially favorable for the consumer, New Jersey business owners without a liquor license suffer financially in comparison to their licensed counterparts. In short, reform advocates allege that the system is mired in post-war – post-World War 2, that is — regulation that has become non-responsive to modern challenges including the disparity in license pricing and the monopolization of licenses in certain municipalities. Other challenges presented by New Jersey’s Alcohol Beverage Control Law include restrictions on the retail distribution of alcohol. Such restrictions are believe to contribute to the lack of expansion by supermarkets, other chain retailers and retail businesses looking to invest in states with a more flexible regulatory framework. In short, reformers charge that New Jersey’s outdated liquor laws hurts entrepreneurs.

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