Long Beach Likely To Consider Boardwalk Seating Next Month

LONG BEACH, NY —Looking toward the summer, the Long Beach City Council addressed the confusion regarding outdoor seating for certain eateries, leaving the door open for allowing them.

At the start of Tuesday's city council meeting, Long Beach City Council President Karen McInnis discussed the issues of boardwalk concessions and their tables.

"The city sent a letter to all boardwalk concessionaires this month advising them that they need to remove their tables and chairs from the boardwalk," she said.

However, McInnis complained in the meeting that the "city could have done a better job of explaining earlier the bigger picture of what we are trying to accomplish."

Five boardwalk businesses, McInnis said, were sent the letter.

The owner of Riptides claims he would have to close the restaurant without revenue from the extra outdoor seating.

But, the council president said Tuesday night, the city is within its rights.

"Our city code very clearly prohibits the placement of any table or chair, anywhere on the boardwalk, other than the benches placed by the city," she said. "This has been the rule since at least 1985."

Due to any misunderstanding by bars and restaurants, or lack of enforcement in the past, "any exceptions to this rule must be codified for the sake of efficiency and clarity," McInnis said.

She said the code amendment could be up for a vote at their next meeting on Jan. 3.