If a governing body determines to conduct a sale pursuant to this act notice thereof and an invitation to bid shall be published in a newspaper circulating generally in the municipality by not less than two insertions, to be published not less than 1 week apart, and none to be published less than 30 days prior to the date of the sale. The notice shall also specify that any prospective bidder shall apply and qualify for a license prior to the sale, that proof of qualification for a license shall be included with the bid, and that all bids shall be sealed. The notice shall also specify, as determined by governing body resolution, the minimum acceptable bid, any special requirements for prospective licensees, general conditions of sale including the statement that the municipality reserves the right to reject all bids where the highest bid is not accepted. The notice shall specify the time and place at which bids shall be received and opened and that all prospective bidders shall qualify no later than 5 business days prior to the opening of bids. The agent for the municipal governing body, municipal board of alcoholic beverage control, or municipal excise commission, as the case may be, shall 5 days prior to opening the bids, publicly announce those applicants who meet the qualifications for bidding as fixed by law, rules and regulations, and resolution. No bid shall be opened from or on behalf of any prospective bidder who does not qualify. No bid shall be considered which does not contain proof of qualification.
N.J.S. § 33:1-19.4