Bidding for new East Windsor liquor store license starts at $595,000.
By: Marisa Maldonado
EAST WINDSOR Bidding is now open for a new liquor store license in East Windsor, after the Township Council approved a resolution April 5 that begins bidding at a minimum of $595,000.
All pre-bids are due May 13. The Police Department then will perform background checks on all the applicants, after which bidders can submit official requests for a license.
All official bids must be submitted by July 5, from which the highest bidder will be chosen to receive the license. The winning bidder has two years to use the license.
But it could be much longer before a new liquor store pops up in the town, Mayor Janice Mironov said. For example, Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, which opened in the township last month, obtained its liquor license several years ago.
Mayor Mironov said the time it will take to get a new liquor store depends on several factors, including whether the highest bidder plans to construct a new building or use existing space.
"It would depend on whether the store might look to identify existing center," Mayor Mironov said, "or whether it’s in a future, not yet constructed center."
If the highest bidder does not use the license within two years, it must appeal for an extension to the Division of Alcohol and Beverage Control, the mayor said.
The township gains access to a new retail alcohol license with every 7,000 new residents. "When you reach that golden number, it increases your authorization," the mayor said.
The Township Council debated the minimum bid at its meeting April 5, with members initially opening the bidding at $550,000.
The revenue raised from the license would be used in future budgets, the mayor said. "It certainly would be a big plus," she said.
The township already has two liquor stores, both owned by the same person: Windsor Wines and Spirits on Princeton-Hightstown Road and on Route 130. Andy Patel, who owns both the stores, said he has owned them for the last five years.
No new liquor stores have opened in the township since the late 1990s.

