Three pocket liquor licenses linked to Montgomery Promenade face June 30 deadline; committee seeks developer update

Township staff briefed the Montgomery Township Committee on a time-sensitive issue involving three pocket consumption liquor licenses associated with the Montgomery Promenade development.

Under recent changes to state ABC rules, certain pocket licenses that have remained uncited at a location for extended periods may lapse unless holders show good faith efforts to place the license at an active location (for example, by providing a lease, a consent to sell or evidence of steps toward opening). Administrator Laurie Saveron said the three licenses in question have been inactive since 2007 and fall into a batch scheduled to expire June 30, 2026 unless the holders demonstrate good-faith placement.

Staff explained the township can approve a resolution recognizing a license as active if the holder can present sufficient documentation to the municipal governing body; the state also reviews such claims. Municipal counsel said the state has modified ABC rules to allow some flexibility for new construction but that license-holders will need to prove actionable steps toward placing the license.

The township requested the attorney for the license-holder/developer to provide an update; staff said they would follow up with the state ABC for clarification of timing and documentation requirements. The committee did not take immediate action but discussed placing a renewal item on the June 18 agenda if required. If the licenses lapse, the township may have administrative steps to reallocate or otherwise address pocket license inventory, subject to state rules.

No specific price or buyer information was available at the meeting; staff said market prices for municipal liquor licenses vary by municipality and transaction history.