Sea Isle City Forbids Alcohol Sales At All Municipally-owned Property

SEA ISLE CITY – This city’s council unanimously passed an ordinance Aug. 14 that would prohibit the serving of alcohol at any city-owned property.
“In the past, we’ve had nice events, not drunk fests, at Excursion Park, for non-profits. So I’m not sure why we need to totally ban alcohol at the park, for example,” said Council member Mary Tighe.
Business Administrator George Savastano, with Mayor Leonard Desiderio seated next to him, then said that the ordinance was one that city administration believed was essential to continue the city’s standing as a family-oriented resort.
He asked Chief of Police Thomas McQuillen to address the council about the reasons he had identified for the ordinance.
“The entire city staff has been collaborating very hard on getting this ordinance worked out and supportive of our biggest initiative which is to stop illegal drinking in public.
“In fact, it’s been about five or six years ago that any non-profit group has even expressed interest in serving alcohol at Excursion Park. The ordinance also puts into place preventive safety measures for events where more than 1,000 people are expected to attend which are in line with Department of Homeland Security measures.”
Council member Frank Edwardi said, “Why would the city compete with private restaurants and other establishments which serve alcohol, several of which are near the Promenade and Excursion Park?”
Chamber of Commerce President Christopher Glancey said, “We are trying to do events on more weekends since rentals seem to be down and people are coming more and more on weekends and looking for something to do. So we support the ordinance too.”
Council member William Kehner suggested, “Why don’t we amend the ordinance so that with proper documentation and permitting, an applicant could ask to serve alcohol at a specific city property, whether it’s Excursion Park or another location.”
Committee ultimately did not support that perspective, and Kehner joined the other members in voting for the ordinance.
Solicitor Paul Baldini noted, “We don’t want groups that cause problems to come to Sea Isle City, and with no alcohol served on city property it will make the city’s position clear to these problem individuals. 
“In addition, a major requirement of the ordinance is that organizers must submit an application for a city permit at least 180 days prior to holding their special events, such as concerts, shows, and festivals. They will also be required to supply extensive background information about themselves and the event in the permit application.
“However, all special events already scheduled this year and in 2019 that will be held within the next 180 days will not be affected by the deadline. So, in fact, a major component is this new security enhancement, and I’m a little surprised at the focus on alcohol which was not changed that much by this new measure.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.