There are a total of 31 licenses in the City of Rahway. There are 4 Club Licenses, 1 Hotel/ Motel License, 21 Plenary Retail Consumption Licenses (bars or restaurants), with one being a Plenary Retail Consumption License with Broad C (It can act as both a liquor store and a bar/restaurant), and 5 Plenary Retail Distribution Licenses (Liquor Stores).

The City does not have any available licenses. The only way to purchase a license is to contact a pocket/inactive license owner.

Please refer to the https://www.nj.gov/lps/abc/downloads/abchandbook02.pdf and the City of Rahway Municipal Code.

Active & Pocket Licenses

1. Tax Clearance from the State Division of Taxation
   • In order for the State to issue the clearance certificate, you must have a valid corporate charter and:
     • Be current on State tax filings; and
     • Payments; or
     • Be current on your approved Deferred Payment Plan.
2. $200 payable to the State of New Jersey through the POSSE system
3. Fees paid to the City of Rahway by cash, check, or money order. Debit and Credit Cards are currently not accepted. 
   1. For Club Licenses: $150 
   2. For all Others, $2,500

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

The City of Rahway does not charge late fees. However, the State has deterrent procedures, which include additional forms to fill out and fees. 

You will need to either e-mail the State or you can call them at 609-984-2830. The representatives of the City of Rahway have limited access to POSSE, which is restricted to endorsing or rejecting the renewal of licenses and permit applications.