Non-Binding Liquor License Queries Set for West Cape Voters

WEST CAPE MAY — There will be three questions on the ballot in the Nov. 4
election here concerning the borough selling two liquor licenses that could
provide over $1 million in tax relief.
At a July 23 borough commission meeting, commissioners agreed to ask voters
three questions:
* Should the borough sell a restaurant liquor license?
* Should the borough sell a retail liquor license that would allow package
sales?
* Should 100 percent of the money be placed in a dedicated trust fund for
long-term tax relief for residents?
Borough Solicitor Christine Cote said the voter referendum would not be
binding under state regulations since it was not the result of a petition
drive.
The borough will schedule to town meetings to answer questions about the
liquor licenses prior to the November election.
By state law, the borough is only eligible for two liquor licenses. Without
a 10,000-person increase in West Cape May¹s population, the number will not
change.
If approved by voters, each license would have a minimum bid price estimated
between $650,000 and $750,000 each, based on the recent sale price of
licenses in neighboring towns.
Last November, Mayor Pamela Kaithern said the borough does not have new
sources of revenue such as beach tags or parking meters that could
ultimately affect the survival of West Cape May.
One license is available for a new or existing restaurant. Borough
commissioners have stressed their commitment to tie food service to any
restaurant liquor sales and have the ability to set limits on things such as
the number of seats, hours of operation and location.
The second license would be for retail liquor sales.
All revenue received from the sale of the two licenses would be placed in a
dedicated trust fund to be used solely for local tax relief over the next
12-16 years.
Commission will submit the ballot questions next month for certification by
the county Board of Elections.