This browser does not support the Video element.
Cape May looking to ease restrictions on public drinking
FOX 29's Chris O'Connell reports.
CAPE MAY, N.J. - Cape May is looking to ease restrictions on public drinking to help boost business down the shore during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joe Cirino came to Cape May’s legendary Ugly Mug for takeout dinner Wednesday night, but come next week he may be able to have a drink on his stroll back on Washington Street Mall.
"It's a beautiful thing. People miss that. People don’t want to be walking around with a Coke. They want to have a drink at night," he told FOX 29.
Right now, you can buy a drink for takeout, however, you just can’t drink it in public. Well, Cape May City leaders will vote on Thursday to potentially change that allowing open containers of alcohol from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the town's tourist district, including much of downtown, the promenade, and the entire beach.
"It's been reported people will drink on the beach once in a while, but we are still the same town. We have an image, but we know this is for a very limited time," Cape May Mayor Clarence Lear said.
The town's mayor says he’s not afraid of a free for all and says the open container ordinance would end in November.
"As a former police officer I felt like it would help the police officers not be put in a situation where they are faced with enforcing something at a time we want to support the restaurants and bar," Mayor Lear explained.
RELATED: Atlantic City looks to ease restrictions on public drinking on the beach and boardwalk
___
For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app.
DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP