Collingswood Voters to Decide Future of Century-Old Dry Law

Down at the Jersey Shore, Ocean City is famously a dry town.

Now, another South Jersey town, Collingswood, will vote on whether it is ready to allow alcohol sales.

A Century-Old Tradition at a Crossroads

Collingswood, in Camden County, has been dry for over a century, but it has allowed residents to bring their own alcohol to dinner, something Ocean City does not allow.

Back in 2012, Ocean City voters overwhelmingly rejected restaurant diners bringing their own beer or wine. 

Ocean City currently bans both liquor sales and BYO (Bring your own) in restaurants; Collingswood allows BYO at local restaurants.

What the November 3rd Vote Means for Business

The vote will come this November 3rd to allow a limited number of liquor licenses in the town. If the vote passes, Collingswood would be able to have four liquor licenses.

How Four Potential Liquor Licenses Could Impact Local Dining

Many business owners, especially in the downtown along Haddon Avenue, believe that the only way for their bar or restaurant to remain open is to allow alcohol sales. Some believe that adding alcohol sales will not only help the bars and restaurants, but also other businesses in town.

Residents came up with a website, boozeontheballot.com, to try to educate people as Collingswood voters decide whether local businesses can serve alcohol.

Here is part of the message from the website:

"It isn't just about ordering a drink at dinner—it's about giving our local business district the tools to thrive in a changing economic landscape."

Detractors over the years point to safer and quieter streets.

How to Voice Your Opinion: Upcoming Town Hall Details

There will be a town hall on Wednesday, 6 p.m., at the Collinswood Library to ask questions and express concerns.