Report: Seaside Heights seeks to change image, considers earlier closing time for bars

     The Seaside Heights boardwalk at sunset on July 11, 2011. (Image: KimCarpenter NJ via Flickr)

    The Seaside Heights boardwalk at sunset on July 11, 2011. (Image: KimCarpenter NJ via Flickr)

    Borough officials in Seaside Heights are considering an ordinance that would require bars and clubs to close an hour earlier, according to a report on NJ 101.5. 

    At a municipal meeting last week, Mayor Bill Akers said the earlier closing time is partly related to crafting a more family-friendly community vision, the report states. 

    “The majority of the liquor establishments that we have in town have some kind of food business with them,” Akers said. “I think that’s where we’re going, a food business with the liquor.”

    The current closing time of 4 a.m. was instituted when there were more bars, the mayor said. The original intention was to prevent people from flooding the streets at 2 a.m. 

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    Akers also said an earlier closing time will make it easier for police and helps the customer base by having one uniform time for all drinking establishments, according to the report. 

    Representatives from various bars and clubs attended the meeting and said they would support the measure. 

    The borough council recently passed numerous measures that it hopes will transform the resort community’s party image, including the hiring of 50 special police officers to enforce quality of life issues on the beach. 

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