East Hampton Town says bars, nightclubs must count patrons mechanically

A law requiring owners and operators of Montauk bars, restaurants and nightclubs to use mechanical devices to count their patrons was passed Tuesday during the East Hampton Town Board work session held at the Montauk fire house.

The measure is part of a crackdown on overcrowding at some local establishments that officials say has contributed to the Montauk summer party scene getting out of control.

East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell has said fire code enforcement officials will continue to keep tabs on occupancy figures, but he said the owners and operators of these businesses need to be personally accountable for overcrowding because it is a fire hazard.

A local crackdown on bars, restaurants and nightclubs that attract a young, rowdy summer party crowd was launched following this year's particularly raucous Fourth of July weekend.