On and after the effective date of this act no person, as the same is defined in R.S. 33:1-1, shall, except as hereinafter provided, acquire a beneficial interest in more than a total of two alcoholic beverage retail licenses, but nothing herein shall require any such person who has, on August 3, 1962, such an interest in more than two such licenses to surrender, dispose of, or release his interest in any such license or licenses.
N.J.S. § 33:1-12.31