Municipalities in New Jersey have the ability to issue new liquor licenses as the population grows. New Jersey municipalities can offer one plenary retail consumption liquor license (used for a bar, tavern or restaurant) for every 3,000 residents. The population has grown significantly enough for Jackson Township to offer such a license. Resolution number 394R-11 outlines Jackson's intent to sell a liquor license to the highest bidder in a public sale.

In order for Jackson to successfully execute the public sale, it will adhere to the strictures of N.J.S.A. 33:1-19.3 and N.J.S.A. 33: 1-19.4. The Title 33 statutes outline the proper procedure for bidding and even permit the issuing township to place conditions on the sale. In this case, Jackson has conditioned the sale upon the opening of a restaurant in which at least 65% of the seating will be restaurant style tables.

N.J.S.A. 33:1-19.4 outlines the proper procedure to accept and evaluate bids. In keeping with the statutory intent, the Jackson Township Clerk will review all applications for the license to determine if the bidder is in fact qualified under the statute. The bidder must present qualification materials stating that he/she is qualified under New Jersey Statutes pertaining to liquors, the rules and regulations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC), and meets the requirements of the resolution granting the sale (the restaurant condition). The above materials must be placed in one envelope while the actual bid should be placed in another. Both envelopes must be presented together. The Township Clerk must then review the bid application materials and determine who is qualified no later than 5 days prior to the opening of the bids.

Jackson Township has specified that the minimum bid for the new liquor license will be $350,000.00.

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