---

Patrons of The Anchor’s Bend bar may be able to keep their toes in the sand and their faces in the sun while simultaneously sipping cocktails as early as this summer.

Members of the Asbury Park City Council voted to introduce an amendment to one of the city’s general licensing ordinances at their June 18 meeting. The amendment expands the definition of a public sidewalk or café to include portions of the beach adjacent to a commercial establishment, according to city documents.

In it’s current version, the ordinance limits outdoor cafés to public sections of the boardwalk, sidewalk, plazas, parks and public right-of ways that are immediately adjacent to a business but does not specifically include portions of the beach.

Boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette has submitted plans to the city to extend the area of the Anchor’s Bend bar and restaurant on the north side of Convention Hall to include an adjacent portion of the beach [shown above], should the amendment pass. Food and drinks would be contained to that area.

The same ordinance allows boardwalk businesses to operate in roped off areas of the boardwalk, and for downtown and Main Street businesses to include sidewalk service.

Primarily situated in Convention Hall’s Grand Arcade, The Anchor’s Bend, a gastropub that serves craft beers and fine spirits, opens up to include the north promenade when warmer weather arrives.

The ordinance amendment is subject to a public hearing and final vote.

————————————————————

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook and Twitter.

---