Annual Liquor License Approvals Come With New Set Of Conditions
Residents & Business Owners Make Pleas For Better Control Over Late Night Crowds Disorderly Conduct
The Asbury Park City Council concluded its annual assessment and approval of the city’s bar, restaurant and entertainment venue liquor licenses this week but not before implementing a new set of conditions.
Moving forward every venue serving alcohol must clean the sidewalk and curb nightly after closing and the following morning prior to opening. They must also adhere to property maintenance code outlined in Chapter 13 of the City’s licensing codes.
The reinforced conditions were based in part from community feedback, which came to its culmination Wednesday when, one by one, residents and business owners put their complaints and pleas on the record.
In the end, additional conditions, such as increased security patrols, were placed on Johnny Mac House of Spirits, Bond Street Bar, Porta, The Asbury, Brickwall, and the Stone Pony.
The governing body also announced it will form a new two-member committee that will meet on a regular basis with police officials to vet and discuss which entertainment venues are receiving the most complaints. They will also meet with the State Alcohol Beverage Control officials to discuss enforcement, Mayor John Moor said.
Below is a summation of the public comments:
words! bookstore owner Jan Sparrow commended the police department for the greater enforcement but said she has noticed an influx of college students and/or 20 somethings.
“By 8 p.m. on Saturday evenings the streets are tough,” she said. “It is really impacting or could impact greatly the individuals who want to eat at a restaurant early and walk around and do some shopping. We are closing by 8 p.m. because it’s really uncomfortable.”
Sparrow said the younger generation’s rowdiness is resulting in them throwing up in the alcove of her Cookman Avenue bookstore, and leaving behind cigarette butts, beer bottles and cans.
“Please help us make it a safe summer,” she said. “Let’s make sure that the retail people downtown have the opportunity to stay open later and feel comfortable that our clients can feel comfortable without having to fight through these massive crowds of kids that are being somewhat destructive and loud.”
Scott Asalone, co owner of the bookstore and Second Avenue resident, said he not has concerns for his staff’s safety but that the rowdiness is taking over residential neighborhoods.
“Starting at 2 a.m., even on weekends in the winter, the screaming, the yelling, the singing, the laughing, the bottles being broken, is what wakes us up,” the 11 year long resident said. “In terms of quality of life I encourage the council to stay on top of this and to learn from people who are doing it right like the [Asbury Festhalle] and Biergarten.”
Two years ago, after a barrage of complaints Biergarten owner Jennifer Lampert worked with the Asbury Park Police Department to create a security plan that resulted in her staff policing the entire block surrounding her Lake Avenue venue.
“This wave is getting bigger and I think you all are trying to get ahead of it,” Asalone said.
Post building resident Robert Weiner recommended employing those who could help stay the raucous behavior along Cookman Avenue, and increasing disorderly conduct fines.
Heaven Art & Antiques owner Malcolm Navias said the drunk and disorderly conduct is beginning as early at 3 p.m. and results in store owners regular finding of feces and smashed windows.
“It’s really a disgrace,” the Cookman Avenue store and art gallery owner said. “It is really disrupting to those who are coming around to shop. I’m actually scared to stay open late; I don’t think it’s safe for me or our my customers.
Environments Shade and Tree Commission Chair Tom Pivinski said the garden at Cookman and Main has become a ‘fornication spot because we get a lot of condoms there.’
Gene Mignola, who lives and works on Cookman Avenue, said during morning walks with his dog he is often met by vomit along the street. The former New York resident said NYC clubs took on some of the responsibility for what was happening after patrons left by placing signs outside their establishments and having the bouncers ensure people kept their voices down.
Asbury and Kingsley Avenue resident Mark Zutti said the notorious bad behavior that has been plaguing the downtown for the past few years is now extending down to the waterfront.
“I know there is a strong enforcement around Porta but as you get further away it is not strong.” he said. “[There’s] really no level of respect when they visit our town.”
And, ShowRoom owner Mike Sodano said they are using his vestibule as a toilet and suggested a police officer be stationed at every block at closing time.
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