Ocean City Board weighs liquor license requests amidst local objections

Concerns over the saturation of liquor licenses in downtown Ocean City dominated the Worcester Board of License Commissioners meeting on April 16, 2025. Local business owners voiced strong objections to a new liquor license application, citing an already crowded market and the negative impact on community safety and business viability.

Several established liquor store owners, including Jeff Walls of A Street Liquors and Charles Weaver of a nearby establishment, highlighted that the area currently has 13 liquor licenses, with the recent approval of a carryout license for Toast restaurant exacerbating competition. Walls noted that despite the increase in licenses, his sales have not improved and have actually declined, attributing this to changing visitor habits and the overall economic climate.

Weaver, who has operated his business for over 40 years, presented evidence of declining sales and expressed concern that another liquor outlet would further diminish his business's viability. He emphasized that the downtown area does not need additional liquor licenses, especially given the existing establishments' struggles.

Community members echoed these sentiments, with Olga, a competitor, warning that a new liquor store would lead to increased loitering and noise, detracting from the family-friendly atmosphere of Ocean City. Robert Riccio, a property owner in the area, shared his experiences with disturbances linked to alcohol access, reinforcing the argument against the new license.

The board listened attentively as multiple speakers presented their cases, with many emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to liquor licensing that considers both business interests and community welfare. The meeting concluded with the board acknowledging the concerns raised, leaving the future of the proposed liquor license uncertain as they deliberate on the implications for the downtown area.