The referendum passed 3,506 to 2,322, according to unofficial results from Camden County. The results must be certified before they become official.

The vote marks a significant shift for a community that has prohibited liquor sales since 1873, when Collingswood was still part of Haddon Township. In 2015, the borough voted to allow microbreweries, but only one — Raccoon Taproom — has opened since then.

Now that the measure has passed, the borough's three commissioners must decide how liquor licenses will be issued. Before any licenses become available, the borough must adopt an ordinance outlining the number of licenses, annual fees, renewal and transfer procedures, hours of operation, and general conduct rules. A zoning regulation lifting the existing ban also must be passed, the borough said in a statement Wednesday.

Commissioners intend to use a public bidding process to award licenses, with a minimum bid informed by research into recent successful license bids in comparable municipalities.

"The Borough recognizes the significance of this decision and thanks the residents who participated in the referendum process," the borough said. "The outcome represents an important change for Collingswood and the governing body is committed to approaching the next steps thoughtfully, transparently and in a manner that reflects the interests of the community."

Under New Jersey law, liquor licenses are limited by population. One consumption license may be issued for every 3,000 residents, and one distribution license for every 7,500 residents. With a population of 14,400, Collingswood could issue up to one liquor store license and up to four licenses for bars or restaurants. However, officials said they are not required to issue the maximum number and will determine how many to make available.

The borough said there is no established timeline for when licenses will become available or when the first licensed establishment could begin operating.

"The Borough's priority is to establish a fair, transparent and legally sound process that is consistent with Collingswood's long-term community and economic development goals," the statement said.

Joe Sperlunto, a member of Booze on the Ballot, the advocacy group that lobbied to put the question on the ballot, said the group is "thrilled" by the outcome.

"We look forward to seeing how our Board of Commissioners will roll this process out," Sperlunto said in a statement. "We encourage them to establish an open, two-way street for community input and we encourage everyone in town with interest, regardless of how you voted in the last few weeks, to engage in that process."

Voters also rejected a separate school referendum that would have allowed the Board of Education to increase funding for the 2027-28 school year by about $4.5 million to maintain facilities, staffing levels and student services. That measure failed by 217 votes, according to unofficial results.

"In light of the school referendum's failure last night, we hope the community and Board of Commission will seriously consider how revenue from license sales can be used to support our schools," Sperlunto said.

Collingswood is the latest New Jersey municipality to reverse its dry status. In 2024, Haddon Heights lifted its 120-year ban on liquor sales and held its first liquor license auction in September with a $200,000 minimum bid. About 30 dry towns remain in New Jersey, including Audubon Park and Haddonfield in Camden County.

Residents will have opportunities to hear updates on the licensing process at monthly Commissioners' meetings, the upcoming Business Improvement District Quarterly Meeting and potential future informational meetings. Those with questions or concerns can call or email the commissioners' offices.