New Jersey ABC (Liquor Licenses) Simplified

In this post, you’ll find a simplified guide to how ABC Licensing works in New Jersey from renewing, 12.39, 12.18, and even some help on things like getting Tax Clearance.

How To Get Started

Thankfully, when it comes to ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control), a lot of what is needed is done through the State’s online website. There, both the Police Department and Municipal Clerk (or ABC Secretary) can create an account and ABC License Holders. Also, if someone is looking for a Social Affairs permit, they can register with the State online.

Finding Available ABC Licenses

Generally speaking, the ABC Secretary is the Municipal Clerk. This isn’t universal, but because a lot of municipalities don’t have a separate ABC Board, but the Clerk often times handles the day to day ABC records.

What Documents Are Required To Transfer A License?

  1. The Bulk Sale Permit
  2. 12-Page Application
  3. E-Mail Notification Form
  4. Generally, most municipalities will have you do a fingerprint form and background check form
  5. Also, a municipality-based application

The State provides a guide, but you should check with the municipality if they have one as well.

What’s The Average Cost Of A ABC License

Being that the selling of licenses are generally a private matter, while any ABC Secretary can tell you how much they usually go within a municipality, it’s not considered public record, so they aren’t obligated to tell you verbally or through OPRA.

Where Can I Find The Laws and Regulations Regarding Establishments Which Serve or Sell Alcohol?

Please refer to the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Retail Licensee Handbook and the municipality’s ordinance regarding liquor licenses or establishments.

What Is Required To Renew A Liquor License

Active & Pocket Licenses

  1. Tax Clearance from the State Division of Taxation
  2. $200 payable to the State of New Jersey through the POSSE system
  3. Fees are then paid to the municipality, ranging from $200 to $2500.
    1. For Club licenses, it often is less, depending on the laws of the municipality.

    Pocket Licenses Only

    You may need to file a 12.39 relief form through POSSE for holding an inactive license, which costs $100 per term you are requesting relief.

    Late Fees

    While the State has deterrent procedures, which include additional forms to fill out and fees, municipalities can’t implement late fees.

    What if you don’t have tax clearance?

    Please contact your caseworker with whom you are currently corresponding at the New Jersey Division of Taxation or, if you don’t have a caseworker, email the ABC Clearance Unit at the Division of Taxation or call 609-322-6323.

    How To Obtain An Ad-Interim Permit

    1. File a renewal application (through POSSE) and pay the $200 state renewal filing fee
    2. Pay the municipal filing fee
    3. Submit an Ad interim permit application through the Division’s online licensing system (POSSE). Permit application fee – $75, plus a daily fee of $5 per day (payable by e-check or credit card)
    4. A renewal clearance certificate from the Division of Taxation – Full clearance or interim “temporary” clearance
      • If the licensee has received an interim “temporary” tax clearance certificate, it MUST be uploaded to the online permit application.

    Once the licensee has submitted the application it will automatically be transmitted to the municipal clerk or ABC Board Secretary for endorsement in POSSE.

    Once endorsed, it will be automatically transmitted to ABC for review and issuance. Once issued, the licensee will receive an email notification that the permit has been issued and a copy of the permit. It must be displayed at the licensed premises.

    Ad Intermit permit applications must be submitted through the POSSE ABC Online Licensing System. Under no circumstances will the Division accept a paper application for an Ad Interim Permit.

    *You could submit by paper, but, like any process available in POSSE, it is not recommended as it isn’t the preferred way*

    Do I Have To Use Posse?

    Yes and no. The State HIGHLY prefers it, as it cuts down on paper (and having to hold that paper for a certain amount of years), having to handle checks or money orders, and makes it easier for the ABC Secretary as well. However, if you have a pocket license, you can renew your license using the 12 Page application and the 12.39 form. You may wish to work with your local ABC Secretary to ensure the information is correct before sending it, as this is not the preferred way of renewing.

    I need to amend/change/switch or update my email address on POSSE, how do I do that?

    Unfortunately, as of July 5th, 2022, you cannot change your email address, and the POSSE Admin cannot/will not either. You must create a new user account on POSSE (LINK). You will be asked for an access code during the account registration process. You must have the access code to be linked to the account at the time of registration.

    If you register an account without the access code, you must follow the procedure below to be linked. Please be advised that POSSE Admin does not provide access codes.

    If you have already registered a new user account without the access code, you must provide a notarized Affidavit proving who you are & submit a request to posseadmin@lps.state.nj.us to be linked to the account. The email ID & the name with which that email ID is associated listed on the form MUST have an active account in the POSSE system & the name on the account must be listed in the affidavit; if the name listed does not match the name in the account to be linked, the request cannot be processed. The SUBJECT of the e‐mail must state “Affidavit of Representation”. Any e‐mails sent that do not use the correct subject may be lost within other subject matter and create a delay in the assignment.

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