A Long Island town removed a ban on alcohol sales on its boardwalk, a rule that had been in place since the 1980s.
But despite being in effect for over three decades, law enforcement did not prohibit restaurants and bars along the two-mile boardwalk in Long Beach from making boozy sales.
Restaurant owner Nicolas Geeraerts looks to open a new space for the community to enjoy the laid-back environment in Long Beach.
“We’re not here to host parties [or] have a club,” Geeraerts said. “We’re here for the community.”
One local bar located in hotel along the boardwalk has been selling alcohol without incident since 2009, according to the city.
“They didn’t allow it for so long for a reason,” local resident Mike Schiff told NBC New York.
Daniel Derner works in a boardwalk ice cream shop and says bringing more alcohol to the boardwalk could cause problems.
“I already deal with a lot of people who come here intoxicated, and it’s annoying,” Derner said. “Some people don’t know how to control themselves with alcohol, and Long Beach is a party town.”
Two years ago, a massive party on a nearby beach turned violent with one person shot.
A city spokesman says alcohol will still be banned on the beach and outside on the boardwalk. Drinks will only be permitted in establishments with alcohol licenses.
Geeraerts, for one, expects no issues on his end.
“I think the community will be very pleased with what we are going to offer,” the business owner said. “It’s a special view so you can only make a special place.”
