N.J. Stat. § 33:1-19.3

Whenever a municipality is authorized to issue one or more plenary retail consumption, seasonal retail consumption or plenary retail distribution licenses and the governing body determines to permit the issuance thereof, the governing body by resolution may authorize that such license or licenses be issued to the highest qualified bidder therefor and shall conduct a public sale for such purpose or direct that such a sale be conducted by the municipal board of alcoholic beverage control or municipal excise commission in a municipality where such board or commission exists. The governing body by resolution may also prescribe qualifications for prospective bidders including the requirement that a licensee, as a condition of the award of the license, shall operate a restaurant, public accommodation or other facility; provided, however, that no municipal license requirement is contrary or inconsistent with law, rule or regulation. The governing body may, by resolution, fix a minimum bid and conditions of sale with the reservation of the right to reject all bids where the highest bid is not accepted. L.1981, c. 416, s. 1, eff. Jan. 9, 1982.