Politics & Government

Ocean City: Still Dry After Landmark Vote

Voters rejected a bid to permit BYOB restaurants in the popular vacation haven.

At the polls Tuesday, Ocean City voters sent a clear message to local lawmakers: Don't change a thing.

By a margin of two to one, residents of the popular summer destination defeated a ballot question that asked voters if they wanted to repeal a local ordinance prohibiting BYOB restaurants. The Second Ward, home to the Ocean City downtown, was the only voting district not to oppose the measure.

After 16 months of passionate local debate, the election night ended with two rival figureheads shaking hands at City Hall.

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Chef and restaurateur Bill McGinnity, who spearheaded the BYOB initiative, congratulated his opponent, Drew Fasy, chairman of the Committee to Preserve Ocean City. Both men talked about putting the divisive issue behind them and moving forward together for the benefit of the community.

McGinnity said he has no intention to make another push for BYOB, and with voters defeating the question decisively, it doesn't appear that anybody else would take up the cause any time soon.

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Mayor Jay Gillian thanked residents for voting, and said he was happy to see Ocean City preserve its brand as a family resort community.

The election drew about 4,891 of Ocean City's approximately 9,000 registered voters, or about 54 percent. The election results included vote-by-mail ballots, but are considered unofficial until certified by the city clerk.

From the start, the proposal met strong opposition from residents and business owners who trace the roots of Ocean City to its foundation in 1879 as a Christian retreat that banned the manufacture and sale of alcohol since its inception.

. By a margin of roughly 60 to 40 percent, Moorestown voters elected to open the township—dry since the early part of the 20th century—to liquor licenses.


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