Atlantic City to vote on allowing open containers of alcohol on the boardwalk

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (WTXF) Atlantic City has always had the slogan "America's Favorite Playground". Some city leaders want to keep it that way.

This week, city council will vote on a measure to allow tourists to stroll the famous boardwalk with a drink in hand.

"A lot of other vacation places you go to they do allow that it's a thing it's a culture" says Candace Brown visiting Atlantic City from Allentown.

It's another effort to revitalize the struggling beach resort and help make the boardwalk more tourist friendly.
Susan and Jeff Taylor come to town every year for their wedding anniversary. On Monday afternoon, the couple toasted on the boardwalk to 32 years of marriage with a margarita from Caesar's Palace as an Atlantic City Police officer drove by. The pair didn't know it wasn't allowed.

""We've never done this. This is the first time.. Didn't know it wasn't allowed.. (laugh) As the police drive by" said Jeff Taylor.

The proposal to amend the city's alcohol ordinance would allow open containers on the boardwalk from Albany Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue. Drinking on the streets or beach would still not be allowed under the plan. And leave your red Solo cups at home because the ordinance says containers of alcohol must bear the logo of a approved boardwalk bar where the drink was poured.

Those who do business on the boards love the idea, including rolling chair driver Gus Acevedo .

"it's a great idea why because people do it anyway so an you know it's the boardwalk it's Atlantic City" he said

One unidentified tourist tells Fox 29, "It's great you can get drunk and enjoy the sun at the same time".

But that's exactly why some worry about too much partying in a party town.

"I think people will get pretty rowdy on the boardwalk if they start letting open containers on the boardwalk, but it would attact more people" said Chad Galipaul of Massachusetts.

The ordinance may go for a vote on Wednesday, May 18 at the Atlantic City Council meeting at 5pm. If approved the new ordinance would go into effect for the 2016 summer season.