Voters Turnout Heavy in Ocean City to Settle the BYOB Question

In what could be a landmark day for Ocean City, voter turnout turnout today has been heavy today to settle an issue that has been on the books since 1984.  Considering the town's reputation, there is a lot at stake.

Many know Ocean City's reputation as "America's Greatest Family Resort".  The city has been dry since 1879, but some restaurants informally tolerated BYOB until a 1984 city ordinance prohibited it.  The BYOB issue is now center stage and gathering national attention for the beach town.

The Press of Atlantic City has reported that today's vote on the Ocean City ballot has brought a not surprising heavy turnout.  Wayne Parry of the Associated Press summed up today as "a struggle between traditionalists who fear that allowing drinking at restaurants would wreck the family-friendly atmosphere Ocean City has worked hard to build, and those who say the city's struggling eateries can't afford to lose any more business to mainland restaurants that serve liquor".

Should this ban be lifted, it would start immediately for Ocean City restaurants (but the law would exclude Boardwalk businesses).  Polls will be open until 8PM tonight, and results should be posted before 9PM.  You can follow the results as they count the vote by clicking here.