Here’s a pandemic silver lining. Communities that had designated areas for outdoor drinking of beer, wine and spirits during the days of social distancing – including Atlantic City, Wildwood and Cape May – will be able to continue serving drinks al fresco.

Under a new state law, municipalities can now designate specific areas for relaxed enforcement of open-container laws. Each municipality will have to hold a public hearing weighing the pros/cons of outdoor drinking before the ordinance can take effect. For towns that already took advantage of the relaxation of outdoor drinking regulations that were temporarily put in place in 2020, including some of the Shore towns, there may be no change. So if you’re heading to the Shore this summer, get ready for some beachside cocktails.