N.J. Stat. § 33:1-5

Each municipality now or hereafter having a population of fifteen thousand or more, according to Federal or State census, may establish in and for such municipality, by resolution or ordinance of the governing board or body now established by law in respect to such municipality, a municipal board of alcoholic beverage control, which shall consist of three persons, no more than two of whom shall be of the same political party, who shall be chosen and appointed by the governing board or body of such municipality, for a term of three years; but one of the initial appointments shall be for one year, another for two years, and the third for three years. In the case of any vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term, the appointment to fill such vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term. The members of such municipal board shall receive no salaries, except in counties of the first class, in which such members may be paid salaries not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) per annum, and they shall be removable by the appointing authority for cause. Such members shall not be subject to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service, and may be members of said governing board or body of said municipality. No salaried member of such municipal board of alcoholic beverage control may be an official, officer or employee of the State of New Jersey, or any county or municipality therein. Amended by L.1942, c. 143, p. 437, s. 1, eff. July 4, 1942.