Ocean City needs to enter the 19th century. Not even the 20th century let alone the 21st. The 19th would suffice. If anti-BYOB people really are serious then Ocean City should ban alcohol completely. No booze at all. The way things stand everyone is allowed to have alcohol in their homes but restaurant owners aren't allowed to have it in their restaurants. This is selective prohibition. And if you can't have it in a public place then surely it shouldn't be allowed during the night in Venice festivities or at the Yacht Club or at the American Legion or at the Flanders during "private functions". A little hypocritical don't you think? When this does pass--if not now then at some future date people are going to be surprised at how little things will change. It reminds me of the blue laws being repealed. All the pro blue laws people made the same arguments. When they were repealed nothing changed other than you could buy a ham sandwich on Sunday. Wow. Let's give the business community a little shot in the arm here and allow BYOB in our restaurants.

Ocean City may be a dry town, but every home has a stocked liquor cabinet. If the public is having a glass of wine with dinner at home, why not let them have one at dinner in a resteraunt. A BYOB policy will keep diners on the island instead of hitting the bridge to eat at one of the many nice resteraunts in a five mile radius outside of O.C.

The problem with gathering signatures: OC is a vacation town and Nov 8, the only voters are the locals who are not in favor of BYOB. If you are a homeowner in OC a ballot should be mailed to your requested resident, us so-called 'shoobies' also pay taxes year round.

I agree 100% with Rob Cardwell.

yay!! soooooooo glad to see this issue resurface...... I enthusiastically applaud the pro BYOB comments posted..... and I do pay taxes year round and feel like I have no representation...... shoobie or not, I financially support this community, but cannot make my vote count. the BYOB guidelines mentioned are rational and will NOT ruin OC.... it will only enhance it....... and present itself to NJ as an open minded community that is not chained to its rigid rules..... but will allow civilized diners to enjoy a glass of wine with a nice meal...... which is a world wide indulgence........ go BYOB!!!!!!

Never lived anywhere else in 52 years that I have lived in OC, I will not sign, and I vote, and I will not vote in favor of BYOB if and when it comes to a vote. I worked 30 + years in the Bar and Rest. business, and I drink, but I want to keep OC the way it has always been my life. I can go into much more if questioned, but as long as everyone knows. BE A FOR SURE NO!!! for me.

This is a thoughtful comment, not a controversial one. My question is how would you monitor underage drinking? Suppose a family w/ teen-agers entered an establishment w/ BYOB? Do you "card" the teens, allow them to share in the wine and/or beer, or ban consumption? Having travelled to Europe on many trips, I saw younger children enjoying a glass w/ their parents. However, it does violate the laws in place here in the U.S. The controversy reminds me of the Blue Laws when you could buy potato salad, but not a raw baking potato. The real criteria is how a judgement call would be made and who would make it?

I would love BYOB in Ocean City. My husband and I own a second home in Ocean City since 1995 and have to go off the island to a BYOB every weekend. This would attract nicer restaurants to come to Ocean City. I think this would be fantastic!!!

Anita Corrado

I'm a local and I'm in favor of BYOB. They are others. How/where do we sign it?

I fully support the petition and the BYOB vote. Ocean City has a number of excellent restaurants, but those of us who would like to have a glass of wine with dinner go over the bridge to Somers Point, Margate, etc to enjoy the entire experience. Ocean Grove, similar in establishment and values, has allowed BYOB for years and it continues to be a family oriented vacation spot. Let's give our residents and the restaurant owners this option!

I am in favor of the BYOB law being passed ONLY if it does not go further than beer and wine and with the limitations presented in this article. My concern is that once this is allowed - what next??? Ocean City is a great family resort which is why I am a property owner of a second home here and have vacationed in this lovely town for many years. It would be a shame to see our little island go the way of some of our neighboring towns with clubs, noise and rowdy behavior.

Yes, what's next after BYOB? I think the restaurants will want to sell alcohol because they know that's where the money is.

Michael Hirsh
While I enjoy a cocktail and wine with dinner that had no bearing on why we bought our summer property in Ocean City -- we did so because Ocean City had a unique NJ resort culture no commercial liquor and even Sunday blue laws. That was the atmosphere we wanted for our family. Further, to me it is not an inconvenience to go off the island for a drink with dinner, and what will happen in the future? Restaurants make their largest profit from the sale of liquor not when people bring their own beer or wine to the restaurant, therefore it is entirely possible, if the BYOB question is passed, the restaurant association could lobby, in the future, for full liquor licenses. Never the less, since, in part, the argument favoring a BYOB policy is to attract more patrons during the off season I would support BYOB from September to May only. One final thought, if the food and/or service is bad, a BYOB policy will not attract more off season customers, and unfortunately some restaurants in Ocean City fall into one or both of those categories.

Does anybody remember how our 100 year-old Sunday "Blue Laws" were repealed?
Back in 1988, mayor-to-be Roy Gillian campaigned on changing that ordinance so his amusement piers (and other town businesses) could benefit. The change, at the time, seemed more about special interests than of benefiting the community. And yes there were rumblings back then on how the quality of life and the fabric of the town would be ruined. As we now know that could not have been further from the truth, and the community as a whole has benefited.
Now we have a similar issue brewing with the BYOB proposal. The current mayor (Jay Gillian - Roy's son), believes BYOB restaurants will tarnish the town's image. I believe the opposite is true: a renaissance of restaurants will occur and bring with it a wider variety of culinary opportunities. The old school pizza and sub shops will also benefit from the influx of patrons eating "in town". A ripple effect will occur that will halt the exodus of restaurants closing to become condos, and downtown main street could become "restaurant row". Furthermore, you'll have a more diverse Chamber of Commerce that promotes the eateries as well as real estate component. "Even a blind man know when the sun is shinning": BYOB restaurants would be a huge benefit to the community as a whole. By no means am I promoting open sales of liquor, but to have a beer or glass wine with good meal - and not have to cross that stinkin' bridge to get home - would be bliss.

As a member of the City Council which imposed the BYOB ban--a little background. As you are all aware, Ocean City has always had a prohibition against the sale of alcoholic beverages. In the 1980s, several restaurants were allowing guests to bring in alcoholic beverages and would provide camouflage such as frosted pitchers or glasses to diners who had brought in their own beverages. There was a vociferous outcry, because this practice violated the spirit of the prohibition against alcohol. After much debate and public hearings, a new law was adopted banning BYOB, and periodically the issue resurfaces (usually around election times). One of the problems with the proposed ordinance is that it would be almost impossible to enforce. It amuses me that restaurant owners who bought their establishments knowing full well that we are a dry town and prohibit BYOB seek to overturn the law.
Ocean City is a family town, and among our attractions is a prohibition of alcohol sales, and also no games of chance may exist. In this day and age when competition is so fierce for the vacation dollar, we must preserve everything that makes us unique. My advice: don't sign the petition. The issue will die like many previous attempts to damage Ocean City's wholesome image.
Henry "Bud" Knight

People can't eat without alcohol? What's up with that? Is the food good or what? Gosh, our people are gullible. These "restauranteurs" are selling smoke. They tout alcohol as a profit maker for them. As anyone who is or has been in the restaurant business knows, alcohol in their restaurants will not generate profit until they succeed in securing liquor licenses, where the real money lies. People are attracted to our island for fun in the sun in a family favorable environment. What kind of impact on the boardwalk environment would there be if you and the fam had to encounter alcohol whenever you wanted a bite to eat? If you want byob go where they allow it; otherwise eat at home. In the meantime, lets try to preserve this little island of civility and reason we call Ocean City.

will the anti BYOB people please rationally justify the Night in Venice/Flanders special event issue? I agree, Anthony, we are adults and it's time to bring it to a vote......

Please note that this comment is neither for or against BYOB.

I fail to see how Night in Venice is even slightly related to a BYOB policy. People throw private parties for NIV where their invited guests consume alcohol. It is still very much illegal to drink in public. The city ordinance clearly states that

"It shall be unlawful to consume, possess with the intent of consumption, sell or offer for sale any alcoholic beverage upon any street, highway, beach, boardwalk, sidewalk, alley, ramp, public building, public place, restaurant, cafe, food or eating establishment."

although it does allow for private parties

"Notwithstanding subsections 4-1.3 and 4-1.4, the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages at a private gathering, party or affair is permissible provided it is not open and available to the general public and to persons under the age of twenty-one (21). (Ord. #84-23, § 5)"

So, to rationally justify the NIV/Flanders issue, just read the law of the land :)
http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=oceancity-nj

I was only trying to address why some people who are anti BYOB might think it is ok for people to drink at private parties during NIV and private events at the Flanders (like your wedding, which I'm sure was awesome. Congrats, btw!) The fact that people break the law on NIV has absolutely no connection to BYOB and should not be used as a valid argument in this context (see: weak analogy fallacy).

There are interesting arguments both for and against BYOB in OC, but people should not drag NIV and special events at the Flanders into the debate.

OK - I'm a little concerned about two fine establishments having a pressence in Ocean City. Clancey's and Chickie and Pete's are great places to have a night out, but they are places where people go have somethinbg to eat and a few drinks. Is there a trend here and where is it leading. Do they know something the general public aware and what is in the future for Ocean City?

I applaud Mayor Gillian and Mayor Knight on their comments. Has anyone read about the shooting on a North Jersey Boardwalk? Drinking was the cause. Next step Will be ASBURY LIQUORS! Do not take the 1st STEP!

@ Joseph--- are you serious??? ok, people, let's be adults.... put it to the public vote already......thank you, Robert, " democracy IS best served when the people are given a choice, not blind adherence to status quo"..... there is some hysteria as to what will happen to OC if someone brings a bottle of wine to dinner..... the answer is: nothing! the diner will enjoy a nice meal with a glass of wine...... and OC will be able to offer more options to those who choose to stay on the island for dinner..... I truly do NOT understand the big deal.....

Nothing riles me up more, than when shoobies start spouting off about how things should be in Ocean City. You knew it was a dry community when you bought property down here, and now you want things changed to your way of thinking. As far as not being able to vote on the issues, unless Ocean City is you primary residence , and you are a registered voter, that is the law pure and simple. For all of you "second home owners" ( a term I detest by the way), if you don't like the way things are here, than put your house up for sale, pack your bags, and get out of town.

Gary Trucano

Well Mr. Trucano, I'm sorry you are so riled up and quite frankly think you detesting us "second home owners" is very sad. The last time I checked our money was every bit as green as yours and if it wasn't for folks like us there wouldn't be much of an Ocean City now would there. The majority of the real estate taxes and overall money coming into this wonderful city is generated by us spouting shoobies. We are talking about a bottle of wine with dinner hear people. Lets everyone take a deep breath, put these outrageous fears aside and think like mature adults. Relax and have a glass of wine with dinner!

I was born and raised here Mr. Meredino, and not you or anyone or anything is ever going to get me to leave. Arrogant yes, lame never. As for you Mr. Chromiec I never said I detested the "second home owner", it's the phrase I can't stand, it's jut a politically correct way of saying shoobie. I also never claimed Ocean City was a Utopia, it isn't. However for now I will stay in my time warped box, and try and remember an Ocean City before all the rampant over development, and a time before the out of towners tried to run the show.

Gary Trucano

People are attracted here for the special ambiance OC provides. The place is packed with tourists throughout the summer. For us locals spring and fall have also become rather busy with visitors. Many of the restauranteurs who cater to the tourist trade usually close up shop after school opens and head to Florida or somewhere else. Many of the restaurant owners don't live here in the first place. If they have a good product, good wait staff and a pleasing atmosphere, they will make it; if not they will fold. Obviously, the vending of alcohol will ensure a decent cash flow. This is the target sought by some of our restaurant owners. They care about their profits, not our community. Other proponents of this booze issue speak of "hypocrisy" in terms of people having alcohol in their homes and opposing byob. The issue is the quality of life. It is not a moral issue, it is simply a quality of life issue. Imagine having alcohol in our boardwalk establishments. Fine dining my eye. Its about money at any cost to the residents.

Jim Arthur

The only issue in this debate is to allow the residents/voters to have the opportunity to chose. The restrictions on allowing access to the petition are reflective of the influence of OC politics on it's residents. As a year round resident, please give me the opportunity to vote on the issue. Limited press on how to sign the petition... that hasn't made press as the politics have controlled access. We should be able to choose and vote. The city doesn't usurp the people! Wouldn't change residence but am often dismayed by those "in control"

When this Island was divided up and sold off, We opened the door to outside opinions and influence. That's the way it is. Some of my best friends here are second homeowners and I haven't seen them carrying their lunch in a shoebox. Everyone has an equal say.

These discussions are rather interesting. I see the facade of this "family dry town" fraud being exposed for what it is. I live on the Main Line (PA); many of my neighbors have second homes in OC. I've heard many sides of the arguments and quite frankly, I could care less about the controversy. Will it have a dramatic impact on the culture? No! I'm content spending a month in Europe during the summer and choose the excitement of Wildwood for local excursions. Grandson to Convention Center last week; strolling the beach and being entertained on the boardwalk. I haven't been to OC since 1978 and have no plans of returning mostly because I tend to surround myself with people who are honest with themselves. This unrealistic vision you have is embarrassing. Get over yourselves.

I would ask that you not attack me for my comments. I am providing you my views openly. I have no emotional attachment to your issues. There are many, many people (potential customers, residents, advocates, etc) who view this never ending discussion as juvenile. My guess is that the liquor ban will be lifted one day. It only makes sense for the business community and to instill some additional atmosphere into the overall dining experience. It's an equitable solution. While teenagers of the permanent and weekend residents are drinking liquor with their friends from their parents liquor cabinets; adults may finally engage in a legal activity with their broiled salmon.

Jim, I came from the King of Prussia in Pa. Trust me the main liner's don't need help inflating their ego, it's already ready to pop. His point would have been much better made had he left that nonsense out.

Sam Q. - Not attacking you - just pointing our the irritating obvious !

Jim ... :-)

Rick,

Agreed. I have friends up and the down the Jersey coast, especially in Stone Harbor, but, I actually prefer less pomposity. My background is quite modest and been fortunate to do quite well in my career. So I guess my preference is to be around the type of people I grew up with; or perhaps that my family has been visiting the Crest since the early 1900's. In any case, hopefully, after the restriction are lifted, this issue will bring people together ... enjoy the rest of the gorgeous summer weather.