LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONDUCT PUBLIC SALE OF A PLENARY RETAIL DISTRIBUTION LIQUOR LICENSE BY THE TOWNSHIP OF JEFFERSON   NOTICE IS HEREBY given that by Resolution #26-105, the Township of Jefferson Council has determined to conduct a public sale by accepting sealed bids for the sale of one (1) plenary retail distribution liquor license by public sale to the highest qualified bidder(s).   BIDS SHALL BE OPENED at 10:00 am on Wednesday June 10, 2026, at the Township of Jefferson Municipal Building at 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 for the following:   "PLENARY RETAIL DISTRIBUTION LIQUOR LICENSE BID"   Prequalification Application and sealed bids shall be received no later than 4:00 pm, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in separate sealed envelopes clearly marked "Prequalification Application” and “Plenary Retail Distribution Liquor License Bid ".   All bidders must submit a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 by check made payable to the Township of Jefferson for the bid forms. Interested bidders may pick up copies of the forms from the Township Clerk of the Township of Jefferson, 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 between the hours of 9:30 am and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.   The Municipal Clerk shall publicly announce those applicants who presumptively meet the qualifications for bidding, as fixed by law, rules and regulations and resolution, on June 5, 2026 (five (5) days prior to the opening of bids). No bids will be opened from or on behalf of a bidder who has not been identified as presumptively meeting the qualification for bidding.   All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked on the outside "Plenary Retail Distribution Liquor License Bid" addressed to the Township Clerk, 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, with name and address of bidder on or before June 3, 2026. The minimum bid requirement is not less than Four Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($425,000.00) for the license and other bidding provisions as set forth in Resolution #26-105.   All prospective bidders for the license shall apply by submitting to the Municipal Clerk a full and complete twelve (12) page New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) retail license application form, a separately sealed envelope with the applicant's bid and any bid deposit fee and the certification referenced below. All prospective bidders must qualify no later than June 3, 2026 (five (5) business days prior to the opening of bids). All bidders must be qualified to have an interest in a retail liquor license under the standards set forth in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and regulations thereunder, N.J.S.A. 33:1-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 13.2-1.1 et seq., and any applicable municipal ordinances. Qualification shall be established in the form of a certification by the applicant that the applicant knows of no reason why the applicant would be disqualified from holding an interest in a retail liquor license in New Jersey and further that the applicant meets all the special conditions or requirements stated in the notice.   The successful bidder shall be required to pay fifty percent (50%) of the bid amount no later than five (5) days from the date that the Township of Jefferson passes a Resolution accepting the bid.   The ultimate issuance of the license is subject to the successful applicant making final payment of the balance of the bid price, payment of the annual State and municipal licensing fees and the satisfactory outcome of an investigation of the source of funds and criminal background checks pursuant to N.J.S.A. 33:1-19.3 through 19.6 to be conducted, as well as demonstrates compliance with all regulations concerning issuance of a license in N.J.A.C. 13:2-2.1 et seq. including but not limited to legal publications and a hearing if there are objections. If the bidder passes satisfactorily, applicant must demonstrate compliance with all regulations concerning issuance of a license in N.J.A.C. 13:2-   2.1 et seq., within 60 days or the bid may be rejected by the Township of Jefferson, and the applicant shall waive its right to the deposit.   The Jefferson Township Council reserves the right to reject all bids if the highest bid is not accepted. A sale may be postponed or canceled at any time prior to the opening of the bids.   Michele Reilly, RMC Township Clerk   4/14/26, 4/23/26 ($154.44)