#New legislation allows drinking on Atlantic City streets

Atlantic City may be going the way of Las Vegas with a new bill that lets revelers take cocktails to go on some city streets.

The legislation, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, allows public drinking in hotspots such as the beach and streets within the city’s casino-dotted tourism district, according to nj.com.

“As we face unprecedented economic challenges in Atlantic City due to the pandemic, this easement will help businesses recover from the economic recession and continue to thrive once life returns to normal,” said Lt. Governor Shiela Oliver, according to the outlet.

The new “open container areas” don’t apply to folks bringing their own booze, and drinks must be purchased from “licensed establishments” within the tourist zone, according to the law, signed Aug. 28.

In Atlantic City, boozehounds were previously fined for drinking on the beach and in other public areas. The bill expands an executive order filed in June allowing drinking on the city’s popular boardwalk — and it is expected to stay in place until all coronavirus-related restrictions on bars and restaurants are lifted.

Bars in New Jersey have been closed since March and casinos were allowed to reopen July 2 without indoor dining or drinking.