Beachfront deck restaurant shut down because it's "indoor dining"

OCEAN CITY, NJ – The biggest problem with Phil Murphy’s rules on indoor and outdoor dining is that everything is vague and nothing makes sense. Last weekend, Governor Phil Murphy partied inside the deck bar of Martell’s Waters Edge and he insists he wasn’t breaking any rules. That’s because the restaurant has a roof and no walls. The same can be said for hundreds of hybrid restaurants at the Jersey Shore, but in Ocean City that’s a no go, as city officials try to interpret Murphy’s Law.

That is the case at the Sand House kitchen, a beachfront deck bar style restaurant in the city.

“We are currently in our soft opening & already facing obstacles. We are shocked to find out today, that the state has shut down our current table service and deemed our outdoor deck (pictured) as “indoor dining” meaning that it is not allowed in the Governor’s current COVID executive order,” said owner Robert Idell. “We are extremely confused and disturbed by this. We are beachfront establishment with ocean breezes which result in a fully open air patio. Just plastic roofing panel to protect from UV Rays and inclement weather.”

Governor Murphy himself has photographed at a couple restaurants similar to this one. What do you think? Do you think the city is overreaching the governor’s already overreaching guidelines?

“We would love to hear everyone’s opinions on this, please comment them below. Please consider clicking SHARE to raise awareness on how ridiculous this is,” Idell said. “In the short term, we are looking to add additional seating spaced out in front of our building in order to continue servicing our patrons. We are open everyday from 8am – 4pm & hope to see you soon!”

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