Who is considered the Municipal Issuing Authority for liquor licenses?

The Municipal Issuing Authority for liquor licenses is the governing body of the municipality. This group is generally responsible for the establishment and enforcement of local regulations, including those pertaining to the issuance of various licenses. In New Jersey, the governing body has the authority to review applications for liquor licenses, ensure compliance with local ordinances, and grant or deny these licenses based on the merits of each application and the needs of the community.

While the mayor may play a key role in the overall governance of the municipality and the municipal clerk may handle the administrative processes, it is the governing body that has the definitive authority. They consider factors such as public welfare, safety, and the character of the applicants when making decisions related to liquor licensing. The State Liquor Control Board oversees liquor licensing at the state level, but when it comes to issuing licenses at the municipal level, the governing body holds that authority.