Ocean City Will Stay Alcohol-Free, Resolution Affirms

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City, founded in 1879 on Christian principles by Methodist ministers, has been free of alcohol since day one. And while rumors are swirling that the opposite could soon be true, City Council is reassuring the public that the island will stay dry.

At the latest City Council meeting, a resolution was unanimously adopted reaffirming existing ordinances that ban the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol.

The text of the resolution notes that this matter is "of significant interest to the general public." This is because of the impending closure of Gillian's Wonderland Pier.

The property, owned by Icona Resorts CEO Eustace Mita, could potentially become a luxury hotel. And many residents and vacationers feared that this could open doors to the sale of alcohol on the dry island, which they say would damage its reputation as "America's Greatest Family Resort."

But councilmembers have said previously that this has no basis in law and would not come true.

"Building a large hotel doesn't automatically entitle the owner to a hotel license to sell alcohol in Ocean City, as the rumors seem to be going around town," Councilman Dave Winslow said at a previous meeting. Read more: Could Wonderland Closure Bring Alcohol To Ocean City? Officials Speak

The resolution being adopted does not change anything, legally speaking. It simply serves to send a message of support from the council and to reassure residents.

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