There will be no toasting with booze in Ocean City restaurants. The ongoing issue of B.Y.O.B. was unanimously rejected by city council Thursday night. Nearly 400 residents petitioned in favor of lifting a century-old ban on alcohol in Ocean City. Many restaurants say it would bring them more revenue in the off-season. NBC10’s Cydney Long talks to residents who have…
Officials in Ocean City, where alcohol sales have been banned for decades, have voted unanimously against letting restaurant patrons bring their own wine or beer to have with a meal.
Many long time residents are pleased.
"I think it would change the town," Norma Lee Linforth told NBC 10 News. "We don't want to be like everyone else, we just want to be Ocean City's greatest family resort."
Nearly 400 residents petitioned in favor of lifting the century old ban on alcohol here.
"I think it would be nice, I like the idea," Sarah Groff said.
But Thursday's vote by the Ocean City Council sets up a ballot battle over the issue, which will be decided by a referendum in the May election.
The ordinance that was rejected would have allowed BYOB drinking in restaurants - except for those on the boardwalk.
BYOB supporters have gathered enough petition signatures to place the matter on the May 8 election ballot.
Ocean City was founded as a Methodist retreat in the 1800s.
Backers say BYOB is needed to attract more business to eateries, while opponents fear the family-friendly atmosphere of Ocean City would disappear.
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