Long Beach city council to consider changing law that prohibits restaurants from selling alcohol on the boardwalk
Long Beach City Council President Brendan Finn said the city needs to get its law in compliance with the State Liquor Authority.
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The city of Long Beach is considering two ordinance changes related to alcohol that could reshape one of Long Island's most popular summer destinations.
The first change would amend the city's law, which currently only allows restaurants on the boardwalk to sell food and non-alcoholic beverages. The modification would allow them to sell alcohol, too.
Long Beach City Council President Brendan Finn said the city's corporation counsel advised the city to amend its charter to align with the state.
Finn said the Allegria Hotel, which sits on the boardwalk, has been safely serving alcohol for years, in compliance with New York's laws, but technically in violation of Long Beach's.
"[The Allegria Hotel has] been in business since 2009, no problems, great place," Finn said. "People come here and have food and alcoholic beverages."
Tonight's hearing also comes as a second restaurant, Tulum Tacos & Tequila, prepares to open on the boardwalk later this year. Last year, the restaurant applied to the state for its liquor license.
The third establishment on the boardwalk, Riptides 11561, also applied for a liquor license last year.
Finn said alcohol consumption would be restricted to each establishment and Long Beach police would continue to enforce a zero-alcohol policy on the rest of the boardwalk and the beach.
"I don't want people to be hysterical about it because people aren't going to be allowed to drink on the boardwalk or on the beach," he said.
Tonight's meeting begins at Long Beach City Hall, on the 6th floor, at 7 p.m.
