By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, Press of Atlantic City
Published: Wednesday, November 26, 2008
SEA ISLE CITY - City Council on Tuesday introduced an ordinance that would allow alcohol in a sidewalk dining district.
Alcohol was scrapped from the sidewalk dining ordinance earlier this year amid concerns by the mayor and a watchdog group.
In its latest ordinance, City Council, which approved sidewalk dining without alcohol in July, revised the plans, reduced the size of the alcohol district to less than a square mile and imposed stricter regulations on waiters working at the restaurants and BYOB places.
But some opponents of the measure say regulations should be stricter and should apply only to establishments with liquor licenses and not BYOB eateries.
The ordinance faces a public hearing at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Public Safety Building.
Council President John Divney said changes to the ordinance include limiting the zone to an area from 37th Street to 47th Street on Landis Avenue, from Landis Avenue to the Promenade and several spots in the downtown district.
In restaurants and BYOBs, waiters who wait on sidewalk tables must be at least 18 years old and attend training for alcohol sales, consumption and awareness. Alcohol would be allowed outdoors on the designated sidewalk areas from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Councilwoman Mary Tighe said a one-year sunset clause would allow the council to revisit the ordinance next year.
Bill Buchanan, president of Sea Isle Revitalization, a group of business owners and residents, said allowing alcohol consumption in the sidewalk dining district will help draw people to the area.
"It adds just another part of the ambiance," he said.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio said he believes the city should apply the alcohol provision only to licensed liquor establishments, which could regulate alcohol consumption better than BYOBs, he said.
Desiderio said alcohol could more easily find its way into the hand of a minor.
"I really, really still have some reservations about this, and my stance hasn't changed in 15 years," he said. "I'd be willing to take a chance with the liquor-licensee restaurants being able to do this."
Bob Lynch, of Town Watch/Town Pride, also said the ordinance should apply to liquor- license holders and establishments that can legally sell New Jersey wine.
The changes to the ordinance were an improvement, but there are still problems, he said.
"I am not in favor of people coming up to a pizza place with a six pack and sitting down. I think that destroys our image," Lynch said.
The idea can be reworked successfully placing more restrictions on alcohol, he said.
Councilman Michael McHale voted to introduce the ordinance but said he still has reservations about allowing alcohol outdoors.
He said he wants to reach a mid-point between the businesses that support alcohol with outdoor dining and the promotion of Sea Isle City as a family town.
"I think there's a happy medium there, especially if it's enforced properly," McHale said.
E-mail Brian Ianieri:
BIanieri@pressofac.com
