Some Jersey Shore Clubs & Bars May Open During Winter

If you've ever wondered why some popular bars and clubs at the Jersey Shore close for the winter, it's not just because of "lack of customers."

It comes down to liquor license costs. If many popular spots like Jenks Club in Point Pleasant Beach and D'Jais in Belmar stayed open year-round, costs would be astronomical during the offseason without the tourists.

On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that would allow some clubs and bars to open one day at a time in the winter and offseason.

Sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal, this new law will give certain locations the ability to purchase a 24-hour liquor license for $500 from Nov. 16 through April 30. Establishments will qualify for up to 14 one-day licenses per year.

So now in the future, many of our favorite places to hang will have options when it comes to New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day, etc.

Not everyone is happy about the new law. Especially in Belmar. In a report from News 12:

State Assemblyman Edward Thompson says:

It blatantly disregards the quality of life for the residents of the 30th District that is affected by the seasonal licensees and strips the power of the locality and [Alcohol Beverage Control] to deny these licenses which are in strict counter to our constitutional responsibilities.