DEVELOPINGGov. Cuomo Responds To More Sexual Harassment Allegations
CBSN New YorkWatch Now
Filed Under:Carolyn Gusoff, long beach, Long Island, Mike Xirinachs

LONG BEACH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Nearly five years after Superstorm Sandy, one hard-hit community on Long Island is ready to serve up alcohol on its newly-rebuilt boardwalk.

But a battle is brewing.

A plan to sell booze from boardwalk businesses is all the talk in Long Beach — but will it be allowed?

READ MORE: Trump Says His 'Journey' Is 'Far From Being Over' In First Major Public Speech Since Leaving Office

More: Waterfront Restaurants On Long Island | Best Beaches Near NYC

Supporters argue that allowing alcohol to be served at some food service concession stands along the famed Long Beach boardwalk would be good for business, WCBS 880’s Mike Xirinachs reported.

Sean Sullivan cant think of another  community  that doesn’t  allow alcohol at beach restaurants. He owns one of the four boardwalk  businesses asking  for a change in city code to allow them to serve up adult drinks, CBS2’s Carolyn Gusoff reported.

READ MORE: Gov. Cuomo Agrees To Attorney General James' Demand For Legal Referral To Investigate Sexual Harassment Allegations

“The sun sets goes across the water — its beautiful, everybody loves to have something to drink with dinner,” Sullivan said. “It makes a big difference as far as business goes.”

Long  Beach Aware is pouring cold water on the proposal, saying  there is already a huge under-aged drinking problem, with alcohol sold in 90 establishments in only three square miles.
“We are certainly not anti business, we are anti adding more alcohol businesses because of the research that tells us its dangerous to our kids,” Judi Vining, of Long Beach Aware, said.

“There’s plenty of bars, if someone wants to drink, they can go get their drink there and go back to the boardwalk,” one man said.

Time is of the essence because it could take months for the State Liquor Authority to grant a license. Business owners would like to add cocktails to the menu in time for the beach season.

The alcohol sale proposal is scheduled to be addressed in a City Council vote on Tuesday.

 

MORE NEWS: FDNY: 3 Injured In Manhole Fire In Midtown; Con Ed Crews Remain On Scene