SEA ISLE CITY – At the Sea Isle City Council meeting Aug. 28 the governing body moved toward revising an ordinance that many feared would prevent restaurant patrons from enjoying an alcoholic drink while dining outdoors. The new ordinance approved Aug. 14 by council banned alcohol consumption on all public property in the city. Some had raised concerns that a strict interpretation of the law might extend to restaurants’ outdoor dining.
Council and officials indicated that a ban on alcohol for outdoor dining was not the intent of that ordinance and that the wording in the revised ordinance would clear up any ambiguity and confusion.
They stressed that having an alcoholic beverage while dining outdoors at a restaurant was not banned and is permitted.
Council voted unanimously to revise the ordinance. Council President Jack Gibson said, “Sidewalk dining has been an unqualified success for Sea Isle” since being introduced in 2008.
A public hearing and final vote on the revised ordinance will take place Sept. 11 at the regular council meeting.
