Red Bank allows outdoor beer consumption at restaurants, breweries

People may now enjoy the rapidly warming weather outside with a cold brew in hand within the city of Red Bank, which just passed an ordinance allowing on-premise consumption of beer in outdoor dining areas. The ordinance applies to restaurants with beer licenses as well as businesses with craft brewer's licenses.

City Manager Randall Smith said the ordinance was prompted by a request from soon-to-open Pizza Cortile, which plans to serve beer in its outdoor dining area along with its Neapolitan-style pies. Mayor John Roberts said the ordinance will also help attract more business owners who may be considering opening restaurants in the city.

"Everyone wants to eat outside and have outdoor venues," said Commissioner Carol Rose.

In order to serve beer outdoors, businesses must enclose the area in a fence that is at least 3 feet tall, and electrically amplified sounds and speakers are prohibited.

Carter Wexler, owner of Big Frog Brewing Company on Dayton Boulevard, said he plans to take advantage of the new law sometime within the next few years, when he carries out his plans to expand his tasting room into the building he owns next door and add a deck for outdoor seating.

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