Mazzeo, Armato & Murphy Bill to Allow Alcoholic Beverages to be Consumed Outdoors in Atlantic City Tourism District Passes Assembly

Legislation Would Permit Open Containers in Certain Beach, Boardwalk Areas

(TRENTON) – Unlike in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Nashville, Key West and other destinations, visitors to Atlantic City are not allowed to walk from one casino or beach bar to another with an open container of alcohol.

To amend Atlantic City’s liquor policy to be more consistent with other tourist destinations, the full Assembly on Thursday voted 78-0 to approve legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Vince Mazzeo, John Armato (both D-Atlantic) and Carol Murphy (D-Burlington) to allow alcoholic beverages to be consumed outdoors in certain areas in the Atlantic City Tourism District, such as the beaches and boardwalk.

Under the bill (A-299), the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority would designate “open container areas” in the tourism district where guests could carry and consume open containers of alcoholic beverages.

Assemblymen Mazzeo and Armato and Assemblywoman Murphy released the following joint statement on the bill:

“Tourists come to Atlantic City to enjoy all it has to offer. The boardwalk makes it easy for tourists to visit various casinos, bars, restaurants and entertainment hotspots in a single day. However, if a visitor wants to take their beer on the go while on their way to their next destination, they may receive a citation for walking with an open container. This practice is becoming outdated as more cities across the nation are relaxing liquor laws in tourist areas. It’s time we revamp Atlantic City’s own laws to match this trend while continuing to keep the tourism area a safe and welcoming place to visit.”

The measure now goes to the Senate for further consideration.