Outdoor Sitting And Drinking In The Wildwoods Blocked By Gov Murphy
Outdoor Sitting And Drinking In The Wildwoods Blocked By Gov Murphy
On Friday May 15th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages in sealed or original containers. Last Saturday we broke the story that the Wildwoods were coming up with a way to create areas where those looking to get a drink can do so safely.If you want to read that full article click the link below.
In North Wildwood the Mayor announced his plan. That plan involves closing down Olde New Jersey Avenue to cars and allowing restaurants to put tables and chairs outside, on public property.
This would allowed many of the businesses on the Olde New Jersey Avenue to open in a safe matter.
The press release said, “North Wildwood has designated certain areas in Commercial Districts where the consumption of alcohol will be allowed until the public health emergency is over. This consumption is only permitted in those areas and absolutely no gatherings of non-household or family members is permitted.”
On Friday we stopped by and saw the system they had and it was pretty safe. People would walk to the bar to get a drink, mask on, and would then go outside to drink it, from a distance of course.
Later on that weekend a video circulated online showing a growing crowds of drinkers outside many of the bars. Many of which were following protocol BUT the video went viral the and the Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy saw it and was not happy.
The Governor’s office called North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello to address what they saw in the viral video.
Mayor Patrick Rosenello was told that allowing outdoor seating and drinking is blocked by the Governor’s ban aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Outside sitting was recalled and every restaurant and bar had to remove them.
The next day a State Police helicopter was seen flying up and down the island ‘checking’ up on us according to our sources.
We witness the helicopter make three passes over Olde New Jersey Avenue.
Murphy is to speak about the matter later on this week.
