Crime & Safety
Videos Show Lots Of Crowding At D’Jais In Belmar (UPDATED)
Gov. Phil Murphy said he saw the videos and he wasn't pleased when he saw crowding at the Belmar hotspot amid the coronavirus crisis.
BELMAR – It wasn't the typical music-thumping moment you'd see at D'Jais in the middle of the summer. But it was a bit too much for Gov. Phil Murphy's liking, as well as other local officials, in the middle of the coronavirus outbreak.
Officials said they were prepared to take action if necessary after seeing crowds at the popular Belmar hotspot over the weekend (see videos below).
Based on what they saw, Murphy and Mayor Mark Walsifer weren't too pleased that there wasn't a lot of social distancing or mask-wearing going on.
Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
During his Monday news conference, Murphy showed empathy, saying "folks have been extraordinary and, after you've been cooped up" for three months, and it's 90 degrees, "can you blame people for coming out and letting their hair down a bit?"
"But we are going to have to tighten up. Too many viral videos for my taste," Murphy said, adding that his administration is discussing what actions to take next.
Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Walsifer told NJ Advance Media that the town is working with the night club and if it doesn't comply, "they’re going to get shut down and they know it.”
Efforts to obtain comment from D'Jais weren't immediately successful.
Similar issues were raised at Donovan's Reef in Sea Bright. Read more: What Virus? Videos Show Crowded Bars At Jersey Shore
Here are videos and pictures:
@GovMurphy @NJGov I want these people ARRESTED, and @djais shut down forever. #BelmarNJ #COVIDIOTS pic.twitter.com/wDIM7IyRCh
— (@RuggedJefff) June 20, 2020
@GovMurphy @NJGov DJais in Belmar was packed last night. No SD, no masks, and people on top of each other. Cops just stood and watched and did nothing. Are you planning on doing anything about it? pic.twitter.com/BqFv1BzZ9U
— The Thinker (@The_Thinker_NJ) June 22, 2020
NJ Gov: “bars and restaurants are open for drive-through, delivery, takeout, and outdoor dining, while following appropriate safety and sanitization protocols.” Belmar: cc: @GovMurphy @LtGovOliver pic.twitter.com/r5IRPoRTYS
— Chris Aldarelli (@ChrisAldarelli) June 22, 2020
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