Bill McGinnity is a fool if he thinks that BYOB will not diminish the Ocean City brand. Stop this nonsense and preserve one of the few places that caters to the family. I suppose you will want to legalize marijuana next.

And then they might want to give women the right to vote!!!!!!

Look - i dont care if it is on the ballot. I may even sign a petition to get it there if i am around any of those places. But when i go into the voting booth it is a 'no' from me. I am all for the people in the town having the right to vote but i think that there is no evidence or any reason at all to think that BYOB will have any positive effect on Ocean City other than maybe giving a small boost to businesses that allow it but even that may be counteracted by less business due to slower table turnovers - drinkers do linger longer over dinner - and by people wh may have gone to certain places in the past but will not patronize BYOB restaurants.
And - i say 'one and done'. I would hate to see this referendum pop up again and again like the high school did if the 'pro' side doesnt get their way the first time.

I say.......throw caution to the wind.........give women the vote!!!! Then make em get back into the kitchen where they belong.

Here we go again ..... time to clean off my illegal yard sign. But may I ask... why is not what is good for the goose (downtown and 1st st ect) NOT good for the gander (boardwalk)? Cause carring beer down the walk would hurt the select fews cause. But that would make the law fair for all, would it not?

What a terrible idea. People choose to vacation and live here because OC is a "family" town. Dont change OC. PLEASE!

I don't see how allowing people to have a drink will suddenly change Ocean City into a cesspool of sin? Restaurants wouldn't even make money on BYOB. If you don't want to bring a bottle of beer to your meal then leave it at home. If I want to bring a bottle of beer I don't see how this will affect you? In the outside world BYOB is a minimum of culinary standards (unless Manco and Manco is your idea of a decent meal).

Here we go again with BYOB. For me, other than the 2-3 eateries that I may go to, the restaruants in OC do nothing for me. Stop trying to make OC into something it is not. What it is is a tourist town with mediocre restaurants at best and and a struggling downtown. I don't have anything against having a glass of wine with dinner but I think more important issues need to be addressed first such as getting people to live her year round and getting businesses to stay here year round. I think I will have a glass of wine now b/c I can't bear to hear the arguments over BYOB one more time!

Maybe we should vote in Prohibition again!!

If you want BYOB move to another town and leave ours the way it is and has been for years.
The reason we bought in OC is because it is a family town, and that's why Ocean City, New Jersey makes the news each year for being a wonderful place to vacation for familys.

There are always two sides to a position and I respect the views of both. I am an OCNJ homeowner. It would seem reasonable that BYOB is not going to harm the reputation of OCNJ as a great family resort. I can't envision drunkards lining the streets following a meal. Over the course of the past 10 years, I certainly haven't seen that behavior at Mildred's, the Crab Trap, Deauville Inn, et.al. and those businesses are BYOB or On Premise liquor sales. However, what I have seen is a one hour wait to get a table because they are always packed with patrons - many from OCNJ. At the end of the day, BYOB will drive incremental business revenue, which equates to more taxes for OCNJ and increased commerce. If indeed BYOB causes issues, then repeal the law. That is the beauty of democracy!

Barbara, again with respect to your opinion, it is important that all sides be represented and respected. Your reply is rather myopic and certainly not defensible. We bought in OCNJ for similar reasons. I doubt the BYOB will be the dearth of it remaining a wonderful destination. Do you think Boulevard Liquors is doing a booming business because OCNJ is dry? I doubt it! Permit democracy to take its due course and put it to a vote.

Kevin, great points that you make except that somehow restaurants would have to open that would be of a higher caliber than what is currently offered in OC. Perhaps the idea is to allow BYOB and fabulous restaurants will follow..........I can't forsee OC becoming a year round destination spot but who knows. However, it the voters approve it then so be it. I have not observed drunken behaviors in any of the restuarnats we go to in Somers Point or Cape May or Sea Isle or Collingswood for that matter so that is a lame excuse for not wanting BYOB!

Beachy Keen, you are spot-on about improving the caliber of restaurants. That may indeed be an unintended consequence and one I hadn't really considered. Yes, I agree that year round might be a bit of a stretch given the climate in December through March; nevertheless, it could contribute to more folks staying on the Island for lunch and dinner vs. crossing the bridge. All valid points you make.

Leave Ocean City the way it is, a family- friendly resort.

We would certainly dine out more in OC if we could bring a bottle of wine. Family resort and BYOB are not contradictory unless you really believe that no one with kids ever drinks alcohol. If you study towns that were "dry" and allowed BYOB, nothing bad happens. To the contrary, better restaurants do crop up. Don't kid yourself, there are actually residents of OCNJ who drink. It is also clear that in almost every issue of the OCNJ newspapers, the biggest ads are full page spreads from liquor stores "across the bridge" willing to deliver directly to your door in OCNJ. Let the issue go to voters. For those who think OC should never change, are you upset that there is a new bridge, that streets get re-paved, that the beach gets replenished, that the lagoons get dredged, etc. Change is part of life and should be embraced. This is a very narrow and carefully worded ordinance. No one wants drunken out of control behavior anywhere, but a bottle of wine between consenting adults when dining out at a restaurant off the boardwalk that must have table linens, between the hours of 2 PM and 11 PM isn't going to ruin the reputation of OCNJ.

Alright I take issue with a number of statements that were made here. Excluding the boardwalk was a concession to those who feel BYOB will have a negative impact on the boardwalk's family reputation. Really its almost a nonissue since there are relatively few dining establishments on the boardwalk to begin with. I think it should be perceived for what it is ... sensitivity to the concerns of those who oppose BYOB.

In regard to the statements that BYOB will not benefit the restaurants because they won't profit from the sale of alchohol, or that the rate of turnover will decrease, the simple fact is that BYOB will at least help bring patrons to those restaurants that would otherwise go across the bay for dinner. If they don't profit from the sale of alchohol they will at least profit from an increase of volume in their core business.

It is shortsided to state that BYOB will change the character of this town where the vast majority of the people who live and vacation here consume alcohol. Walk up any alley in the summer time and look at the recycle containers. When an even larger percentage of the dinner crowd can have a drink with dinner (here) the demand will grow for something other than "family oriented" sub and pizza shops. New restaurants are likely to emerge that will cater more to a dinner crowd. The question is where those restaurants will emerge. Here in Ocean City or somewhere on the mainland?

Boulevard Liquors..... now there's a subject. I know this is off subject but do you ever see the parking lot packed? Nope - oh maybe the slots in front are filled with cars in and out but they own a lot more land for parking than that and you don't see cars filling those areas. Boulevard Liquors is $2 more expensive on EVERY bottle than Circle Liquors. Trust me, I did a study. I live on 22nd. It's just as easy for me to get to Circle as Boulevard and I'd rather save a few bucks and enjoy the historical crossing of the 9th St bridge (even if it is new and wonderful) and friendliness of Circle people.

My wife & I consume alcohol and we bought two properties (one rental & one summer home) in OC because it is a dry town. We feel that our property values remain high because of the Family Atmosphere a dry OC has. Make no mistake, once the camel's nose is under the tent, it will only be a matter of time that OC will become like Wildwood & Sea Isle.

The uproar over the BYOB initiative would be more understandable if Ocean City were alcohol-free, but it certainly is not.

Those who are against BYOB because they believe it would compromise the City’s family friendly image should realistically consider how well-managed BYOB has impacted other nice towns. If this proposal is approved it will hardly be noticeable. Demon Rum and Satan will not enter town hand-in-hand over the new 9th Street bridge!

On the other hand proponents should not get too excited about BYOB creating a restaurant renaissance here.. The supporting publicity seems to be that BYOB will attract more customers during the off season. Maybe, but those who foresee BYOB resulting in an atmosphere in Ocean City where dining sophisticates will be able to leisurely discuss vintages, etc. over gourmet meals is unrealistic. There won’t be many dining changes.

In considering how to vote on this I suggest residents keep the old fable about the camel getting his nose into the tent in mind. Selling alcoholic beverages is the most profitable enterprise for restaurants which are able to do so. Once BYOB is in place and folks are used to it restaurateurs will likely propose they be permitted to sell them. Such a proposal won’t then seem like a big step beyond BYOB. Voters should not reject BYOB because of this, just that they should keep in mind this natural progression over time and be prepared to deal with it when it comes up.

I want to know the name of every restaurant in town that is in favor of this. Stand up and be counted so I know who not to patronize again in the future.

There is no guarantee that outstanding restaurants will open if BYOB is allowed. Will these eateries sit there empty in the off months. OC is not Cape May, it is not Collingswood and it is not Somers Point and never will be. First order of business should be to revitalize the downtown and then to incentivize people to live here year round. Why should the boardwalk be excluded--look at Clancy's as it already has a "bar" in the front. I have nothing against BYOB but just put it on the ballot and let the voters decide once and for all!

Has anyone considered the number of speak easies in OC? Private clubs that only members and their guests can drink in? Don't be foolish, Ocean City is NOT a dry town. For Pete's sake people, the VFW sells alcohol!!!

Here it goes again. I supported a vote back in the fall but really I am just sick of hearing about this topic anymore. At this point I don't care what the eating establishments do. By the way John, The state already legalized pot. and perhaps some of you need a perscription for it. Way to many people ARE WRAPPED TO TIGHTLY here

My one other thought on this is this: with the budget in a shambles, homevalues still plummeting, public contracts out of control, less and less year round residents, less tax revenues, unemployment high, more undesirables moving to town, lawsuits all over the place, unethical and immoral behaviors rewarded and promoted among the publics, developers raping every inch of buildable space in town, taxes going up every year and people are worried that somebody might be having a glass of wine while out to dinner with their family. Its laughable!

@Rick, well said and I couldn't agree more. I'm sick of hearing about it too and I could care less what the restaurants do as I sitll will go off the island for dinner. Other than 2-3 eateries in town, the food is not that good anyway.

We have very poor grocery stores in Ocean City. I go off the island for most of my grocery shopping. Perhaps if we allow grocery stores in Ocean City to sell beer and wine, the grocery stores will get better. It might bring them more business in the off season and we might even be able to save $2 a bottle we pay off the island. Perhaps we should also let gas stations sell beer, then our gas stations will get better.

What is this about speak easys someone wrote of??? How is it that the VFW can sell alcohol?? News to me.

Many valid perspectives shared by both sides of the equation. Understandably I can appreciate folks being sick of hearing about the BYOB initiative. However, it would be unwise to take an apathetic viewpoint on this topic. I actually do care about the direction of the this initiative and the effect it will have on our city. I am supportive of BYOB and in general supportive of change.

To all for and against BYOB,, if OC was going to change direction and move into a renaissance of shops and restaurants, it would have happened by now. Instead, in my short time here what I have observed is that a few old timers have a strangle hold on the city combined with bunch of nit wits that run the place who have limited forward thinking at all and limited if any accountability to taxpayers. The only forward thinking seems to be how can we get more from the taxpayers. Better to run the place into the ground and blame somebody else. I wonder what all of the 2nd homeowners who have to say about this issue since they are the ones paying for services that they do not receive for 9 months out of the year. Let's get the 2nd homeowners involved and let them have a say. Maybe they would come to their homes during the off months if OC had more to offer. Of course, nobody wants input from anybody except the year round old timers and nay sayers. More of the same never ends well.

moorestown, nj, recently allowed byob. now they progressed to allowing hard liquor to be served in restaurants. the moorestown mall is closing its movie theaters in order to bring in alcohol serving restautants. allowing byob in ocean city will only be the first step to eventually allowing any type of alcohol to be served in restaurants and eventually sold. i will not patronize any establishment in ocean city that supports byob. don't mess with success!

@Patrick, I do live here but it occured to me that the 2nd homeowners most definitely are the majority. You don't have to have a fit over it, I was writing and thinking out loud. In my mind, it is people like you who make assumptions and since you stated you have lived her for 53 years, you most likely are one of the old timers who thinks you are entitled to force your wishes on others. Your obvious disdain and disrespect for the 2nd homeowners is also evident in your rant further demonstrating your intolerant and hostile attitude towards them. I guess you hate the tourists too. I wouldn't bite the hand that feeds you as these 2nd homeowners pay the bulk of the taxes here in relation to density of homes. Most that I know are well off enough they could give their homes away and not miss a beat furthering the decline.

BYOB is not going to help Ocean City's problems. My wife and I are the 3rd generation having property in OC. We have owned for over 30 yrs and lived here full time for 8 yrs. Our town is in terrible condition - boardwalk decking disgraceful, street paving is patch over patch - downtown and 9th St entrance looks dirty, businesses close for the winter. Taxes are high, government corruption with public worker unions is rampant. Expensive - under performing public schools with declining enrollment - dependent on off-island pupils. Year round population is declining for all of the above reasons. BYOB will not cure any of these problems - it starts another probable problem - next step liquor licenses. There are very few restaurants worth eating in here. Fix the real problems - why make new problems.

I remember the great restaurants in Ocean City's past, Chris's, Hogates, Watsons, Maiers,etc. They did not close because of no BYOB. They closed because the land they sat on was more valuable for another use. Restaurants need space. Space is expensive in Ocean City. A successful restaurant needs lots of parking...more space. BYOB is not going to reverse that fact. How about lots of free parking around all restaurants?

@Patrick. Your platitude of "let them eat cake" for 2nd homeowners is unfathomable. Who do you think supports the majority of the infrastructure within OCNJ? It sure isn't the 12,000+ year round residents. if the 2nd homeowners and vacationers didn't underwrite the city via commerce, investment and taxes, it would be a depressed and impoverished ghost town. Perhaps you don't quite understand the economics of running a city. As for taxation without representation, that too will change - it is just a matter of time. There happens to be strength in numbers and extolling an attitude such as yours will be the fodder to effect the change.

@John K. Well said. This is what I have been saying but the mentality here is to focus on BYOB. Perhaps this is the distraction that will take away from the real issues facing this town!

What goes around, comes around<----famous old saying......this all comes down to those 12,000 folks who actually live in OC.(i don't, i Did for 55 years).....will BYOB help OC? probabily not, but lets have the vote and shut the johnny come latelys up once and for all.

Patrick, I would think that you would be more concerned with the other serious issues facing this town. Once the 2nd homeowners sell out, and many can afford to do just that, the town becomes even more of a ghost town. As the town declines, tourists find other appealing beach towns to go to that are family friendly and most serve alcohol. Second homeowners, can still donate to campaigns, influence candidates, have connections, and all sorts of other things so don't be so sure that 2nd owners do not have a say in ways other than voting.

I'd like to know the rest of the restaurants that are backing BOYB so that I can boycott them along with the Chatterbox, Cousins, Who's On First, and Captain Bob's. None of these 4 is very good in my opinion anyway.

I notice Piccini which is busy year round and has an hour wait every night in season isn't listed among the BOYB'ers. Might the secret of running a success restaurant that alludes the BYOB'ers is to serve better food?

Our downtown merchants have a huge problem. How can they compete with internet , no hassle, no parking problems, no parking meter maids, UPS to your door delivery of anything at a competitive price. The avenue is a nice place for a walk - not for serious shopping. Where in OC could you purchase sheets or bedding ? No Stantons anymore.Our town is changing - not for the better. "New Master Plan" thinking of High Rises. BYOB then Liquor = Ocean City MD. We are in deep trouble.

To characterize the lack of voice in local issues for 2nd home owners as "unfair" is irrelevant ! All 2nd home owners have to do is register to vote in OC. That would be a nightmare for the "old guard(s)' . When that happened in Cape May the local's influence nadired ! Then we got a bunch of know- it- alls who can't agree on anything and make themselves crazy about issues like the facade of the new convention center.

Patrick, as a resident for 53 years I can understand why you love OC and would choose to stay. However, I would guess that most 2nd homeowners do not feel that way or they would be there year round. We as taxpayers have way more power than the nit wits who run this town would have us believe but that is a discussion for another time. In the meantime, I will wait and see if BYOB makes it onto the ballot and if so, hopefully it can be resolved one way or another.

I wonder what people will say when I open my medical marijuana clinic? I hope I don't meet this much resistance;-)

Pat, I like the way you think! The possibilities are endless! We can then open an adult store that sells fantasy gifts and products. Of course no alcohol will be served here. Since women already have the right to vote, how about a woman owns the tatoo parlor and we can throw in a few ethnic and minority eateries so as not to offend anyone. Oh yeah and we could have the methadone clinic a few doors down from the marijuana place. We could get tax dollars to do that one! Asbury Avenue will be hopping well past 6pm!

@Beach View - Sorry for the slow responce. Even 3 times the revenue they receive from taxpayers is not enough for the local political and public employee unions. Yes the South end is deserted for most of the year. The "pathetic entitlement attitude" is disgusting. Approx 2 million for a 40 space parking lot at the boardwalk ( 1 Million over appraisal) . Save their "Lifeguard Station" to cost about 4 million ( and loss of ratables) to re-convert a 100 year old house. $1,300,000. to replace the grass playing field at the palatial High School ( that took 3 referendums to get passed) with artificial turf. I can't believe the lifeguards get a pension ! Firemen falsify records (fraud) and are still employed. I think almost all property from 5th to 6th St & the boardwalk to the bay is city owned (not on tax rolls) with the exception of the Tabernacle. Now the city is purchasing the Schriver lots at 21st & boardwalk for $1.2 Million. Fortunately the Mayor changed his mind and is allowing the Ethics Committee to remain. Thank goodness for small concessions. I think they took lessons from obama !

Beachy, your killing me He he

Eleanor, as I think I have stated througout this post, I don't think it relevant that we need to know which restaruants are for or against. You have people like Duffer and Parker who will then vindicitvely boycott those businesses if they have a different view or opinion on trying something new. As I recall from the last round of BYOB many other people did the same and it became very nasty. Sounds like you might do the same. No reason to know other than some of these vindictive and small minded OC locals want to force their wishes onto businesses by boycotting them. Who is anybody to tell someone else how to run their eatery? Put it to a vote and settle it once and for all. If only all of this spiteful and vindictive energy was directed towards the outrageous public contracts and inept politicians running the place, perhaps there would not be budgetary desperation to try anything to bring in revenue.

beach view, you are so ignorant and behind the times that it is impossible to have a conversation with you. i'm glad you live in mt. laurel (and not ocean city) because you know nothing about what is happening in moorestown concerning byob. byob has only been allowed in moorestown for a few years. get your facts straight! alcohol is now allowed in restaurants. get your facts straight! i check my facts before i make a public statement. obviously, you don't. byob is always the 1st step in allowing public alcohol consumption in a municipality. it's always one step at a time.

Who cares if every local boycots every business in town. We don't have enough locals to keep a WAWA in the heart of town open. The businesses here really are not targeting locals, the life blood of their business is summer crowds. So locals, (myself included) go ahead and boycot and see how little you really mean to the economy here.

This is the first sensible comment I have heard on the topic. It's not about the locals......that is not where the money is.......it's about supporting the tourist trade in a tourist town.

John Fischer posted earlier that Ocean City used to have a lot of good, large restaurants. Watson's Restaurant @9th & Ocean 1934 to ? 1980 with 500 seats. Beck's which became Holgates @ 9th & Bay 1936 to 1972 seating ? approx. 300. Chris' Restaurant near 9th & Bay from around 1932 to 1972 seating 250, also had 6 boats 70 ft to 50 ft for rides & or fishing. These restaurants prospered without BYO and were all open in OC during the same time. Why can't current restaurants do the same ? The property value on the island is probably to a large extent the reason. Similar reason that Marinas & boatyards have disappeared from the bayfront. BYO won't change the situation. Oh - and I am an 'old gizzer' and had also been a 2nd homeowner for those that complain about older folk.

Eric, Well said. There is NO support for the sale of alcohol. Maybe someday that will change too, but i doubt in my lifetime.

If BYOB was passed, I would likely frequent a few eateries in town (In the off season mind you). I always go off island now. I still would most of the time, but it would keep me on island some of the time during the winter

Well said Eric! I think you summarized the whole thing nicely. We go off island to eat also but we would definitely try new and/or existing restaurants if they were BYOB for dinner. It will be a long road but maybe some day the downtown will be re-vitalized. I think in this current economic environment, there may not be many business people who would want to take the risk of opening an upper scale restuarnant but heck we have to start someplace if we want people to stay year round.

BYOB can never lead to the sale of alcohol from multiple establishments whether they be restaurants, bars, hotels or retail liquor outlets. The sale of alcohol is controlled by State license when permitted by an individual municipality. The laws of the State of New Jersey restrict the number of sales licenses to the census population. Therefore, on the remote chance that some day the City of Ocean City would allow the sale of alcohol, the number of licenses permitted by State law would be no more than 2 for the entire city based on a census population of 12,000.

So many (including me) have commented about the Ocean City population shrinking. I recall that in the winter traffic lights were off (and covered) and temporary stop signs were placed at intersections. Hardly any cars were parked on streets - it was a ghost town. Checked census data OC population: 1940= 4672; 1950= 6040; 1960= 7618; 1970=10,575; 1980=13,979; 1990= 15,512; 2000= 15,378; 2010= 11,701 . This indicates OC's population increasing - except in the last 10 years when we lost 3,677 residents. The recent loss is probably due to the economy, real estate "values", and high taxes. Not lack of BYOB ( Ha, Ha )

Stantons, Sims, Watson's, Connoisseur Shop, Flanders shops, etc. All nice, a bit prices but those who lived or summered in OC could well afford it. Never meant to be a Wildwood or Atlantic City. No need for trash cans on the beach, no one ate or drank beer/wine/soda on the beach back then. Blue laws kept most of the people that wanted to 'party' off the island. They vacationed in other towns. Greed enters the picture. Single family homes torn down & replaced w/multi-family homes. Homes built in the southend on marshes, water/sewer problems. Larger police force needed. Larger city government needed. Thank goodness for this new rash of taxpayers or what would OC have done? Perhaps stayed the nice, quiet family town it once was. Most rented homes back then for 1/2 or full season, can't remember 1 week rentals back then. Why would anyone staying in OC for a week give a dang about it? They don't. All the nicer stores closed, dollar store pops up, boardwalk stores become mirrors of ones in Wildwood. People walking around in flip flops & bathing suits on the boardwalk <gasp>. New restaurants come into town. Oops, didn't realize couldn't have alcohol in the restaurant, better change that law too, after all, the Blue Laws were knocked down and look how much better OC is for it. Progress to some is regression to others. If you think OC is going to be better with BYOB, vote for it. Time will tell. What type of people does OC wish to attract & what type of people do you want renting?

Snob. Americas Greatest Family Resort does not translate......we only cater to the wealthy, we will judge you and turn our nose up at you if we deem you un-worthy. And......having money does not insure a person has class.......far from it.

If Ocean City is truly the great city that it is, a glass of wine with dinner at a nice restaurant will not plunge it into Sodom and Gomorrah as some would have you believe- place the BYOB on the ballot and let the democratic process work; don't allow the parochial special interests to intimidate those that would prefer the BYOB opportunity

Please...not again! Just let this come before the voters..up or down will be better than this constant discussion! The businesses that are driving this are convinced that their mediocre business will become great when I can bring a 6 pack with me. Those that want OC to stay the way it is will never be convinced that it will stay the same once there are BYOB establishments. Can't we just agree to disagree and let the voters decide??? But please, whatever happens after a vote, lets not continue this discussion for the rest of our lives!! If it passes, so be it...learn to live with it. If it is voted down, then take your business off island or learn to live with what the voters want. Once more and done! Please, take whatever we get!!

Very well said OC Penn!!!

Actually I think this discussion is most helpful and the thread should continue. It clearly takes away consideration of minor elements like the Ethics Board's continued existance, type of wood to used on the boardwalk, whether any seasonal employees are getting unemployment and future contracts/pensions for uniformed employees and if people who have never spent five minutes lifeguarding are qualified to decide whether having surfboats is a good idea.

"Fine dining." What exactly does that mean? Apparently, one can only experience it if you're drinking some kind of alcohol. Is that true? If so, and If you can't drink due to some health or addictive problem I guess you will never experience fine dining. Oh well. Them's the breaks.
Jim Arthur