Liquor at Waterpark

N. Wildwood waterpark gets approval to sell liquor
By TRUDI GILFILLIAN Staff Writer, (609) 463-6716
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Thursday, July 6, 2006
Updated: Thursday, July 6, 2006

NORTH WILDWOOD — With a 5 to 2 City Council vote Wednesday night, Morey's Piers won the last approval it needed to begin serving alcoholic drinks at its 25th Avenue waterpark.

Clark Doran, director of planning and development for Morey's, said the company hoped to be serving alcoholic drinks by this weekend at the Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club.

Wednesday's vote by City Council, which acts as the city's Alcoholic Beverage Control board, followed a steady stream of speakers for and against the prospect of allowing alcoholic beverages to be served at the former Raging Waters park.

Doran told City Council the company was trying to keep up with a market that demanded more services and amenities than found at the traditional waterpark.

The company has already added hammocks, massages, organized activities and other services to the waterpark, and alcoholic drink service is part of the plan to upgrade the park.

“We try to evolve with the times,” Doran said.

The company plans to sell beer, wine and tropical drinks at two locations within the lower level of the park and at an overhead observation area.

Denise Beckson, head of the company's waterpark operations, outlined the company's management plan and said strict controls would be in place.

They include issuing wristbands to patrons 21 and over, selling drinks in easily identifiable cups and not permitting unattended drinks to be left behind.

Opponents of the plan, however, warned that allowing drink service in a park frequented by children was a mistake.

Independent City Council candidate Kathy Martin said children ages 12 and over often travel to the waterpark without an adult, and the service of alcoholic drinks would be a danger to them.

Children, she said, would be swimming and playing in the water around adults who have been drinking.

Others questioned various aspects of the operation such as trash collection, the hours alcoholic drinks would be served and the need to separate children from areas where alcohol is served.

Drinks will be served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. while the waterpark normally closes at 7 p.m.

But supporters said the Morey family was trying to change with the times as any business should do, and they suggested parents, not a private waterpark, are ultimately responsible for their children.

“I do not see alcohol as a threat,” said resident Brian Lafferty.

Councilman Hank Rice and Walt Larcombe, who had previously voted against the plan to sell alcoholic drinks at the waterpark, voted against the liquor-license transfer.

“I just think (the sale of alcoholic drinks) has been taken very lightly,” Rice said.

Rice said he worked as a bouncer for 12 years, and he has seen the effect alcohol has on people. “You can't tell me alcohol doesn't change a person,” he said.

Ocean Oasis opened in mid-June without alcoholic drink service.

To e-mail Trudi Gilfillian:TGilfillian@pressofac.com