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SEA ISLE — A new ordinance limiting and defining the outdoor sale of alcoholic beverages in the city was passed on its second reading during City Council’s Feb. 14 meeting.

The new ordinance calls for the sale of alcoholic drinks to be limited to 11a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with sales beginning at noon on Sunday and running through 11 p.m. The ordinance, as presented, also called for the outdoor area where alcohol is sold to be enclosed by "some structure the height of which shall be a minimum of five feet." Entrance to to the exterior of the premises must be through the “licensed establishment’s main premises.”

Councilperson Mike McHale asked for the ordinance to be changed to mandate the structure enclosing the outdoor area to be six feet about ground level, “so people can’t reach over and grab a beer.”

Council agreed to amend the ordinance to reflect McHale’s request of a six-foot high structure.

Included in the new ordinance is language addressing when outdoor music, dancing and entertainment is allowed in licensed premises.

The old ordinance allowed outdoor music, dancing and entertainment during the hours of 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The new ordinance allows for out-door dancing, music and entertainment from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It also allows for the playing of “soft music,” which will be permitted until 11 p.m. Per the ordinance, “soft music” is defined as “music when played produces a relaxing and peaceful ambiance and shall not include live or disc jockey entertainment or music.”

The ordinance passed by majority, with Councilperson Mary Tighe passing the only nay vote.