Governor Mikie Sherrill (D) and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport nominated NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) Compliance Director Paul Urbish to lead the NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

“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,” said Sherrill in a release. “His history of regulating and fostering a fledging industry will be an asset to the ABC, which similarly oversees a sector that is constantly undergoing transformation…”

Sherrill has not yet said very much at all about cannabis or the CRC since taking office in January.

“As ABC continues to streamline processes and build an alcohol regulation system based on integrity, safety, and economic opportunity, we welcome Paul Urbish’s exceptional leadership to balance the needs of industry while protecting residents. I look forward to him joining our leadership team at the Department of Law and Public Safety,” said Attorney General Davenport.

“I’m grateful to Governor Sherrill for the opportunity to rejoin ABC. I’m excited to work with Attorney General Davenport and the ABC team,” said Paul Urbish. “I look forward to working diligently to protect residents, ensure that local businesses are operated lawfully and responsibly, and that our businesses have the necessary flexibility to accommodate an unprecedented wave of tourism this summer.”

According to the release, the ABC is preparing for events associated with the upcoming World Cup.

It is unclear who would succeed Urbish at the CRC.

Running CRC Compliance

As the director of the CRC’s Office of Compliance and Investigations, Urbish has overseen the regulation and investigation of cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, testing labs, and dispensaries.

Sometimes it seemed he did a better job than others in checking Multi-State Operators (MSOs) and fostering local business. A secret shopper program by consumer advocates, raising concerns around bacteria and mold, led him to speak at a meeting in April 2025.

It was the only CRC meeting he spoke at during his tenure.

According to a release, he previously held several different roles in state government, including at the Department of Community Affairs. Prior to joining the CRC, he was a Deputy Attorney General at ABC from 2018 to 2021. Urbish provided legal interpretations regarding matters including appeals from municipal action, applications for permits, and municipal ordinance review.

If confirmed by the State Senate, Urbish would oversee the agency that regulates alcoholic beverages and enforces liquor laws.

The ABC is a division under the NJ Attorney General.

Urbish received his Bachelor of Arts in history from the College of New Jersey and his law degree from Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law.

The ABC regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale, and transportation of all alcoholic beverages in New Jersey. ABC’s mission is to regulate and control the alcoholic beverage industry.

They said they seek to “foster moderation and responsibility in consumption of alcoholic beverages. To protect the citizens of New Jersey by assuring lawful, proper, and fair trade practices. To maintain the stability of the industry, and protect the collection of state taxes imposed on alcoholic beverages.”

Kirstin Krueger has been serving as Interim ABC Director since April 1, 2024.