Bar owners at the Jersey Shore are taking precautions to prevent overcrowding and to enforce pandemic safety precautions over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Some bars at the shore faced criticism over the past several weekends due to large crowds of patrons outside who did not appear to be wearing masks. COVID-19 infections have been linked to some bar and restaurant crowds in other states.

Donovan’s Reef co-owners Christine Carducci and Michael Cardelfe say that having a mostly outdoor bar is both a blessing and a curse. Business has been booming, but the bar can be crowded. So, they are changing some rules to better protect their customers.

“No one’s asked us to do any of these things, we’re just trying to evolve and think of what we can do to make it better,” Carducci says.

Gov. Phil Murphy delayed the resumption of indoor dining, which was supposed to resume Thursday, in part because of the crowds seen at the bars last weekend.

Donovan’s has changed some of its rules regarding masks and social distancing as a result.

“Instead of having people wear masks indoors, which is only to use the bathroom and going up to the food window, you have to wear a mask to come into the property,” says Carducci.

The owners are also canceling the bar’s live musical acts because they feel that this has been drawing the crowds.

“Just trying to do what we can to make the place a good place to come visit, a healthy place to come visit, and people to have a good time and to be safe,” says Cardelfe.

Bar Anticipation in Belmar posted a job listing on Facebook looking for mask monitors and social distancing diplomats. The owners say that they want to add at least 10 more to the 12 they already have.

Also in Belmar, D’Jais posted on its Facebook page reminding patrons of the importance of social distancing and wearing masks.

"We have all the cleanliness and the sanitation down, we did great on that …and now it's just the behavior of the patrons,” says Carducci.