It could soon be legal to carry a drink on the Atlantic City Boardwalk or onto the beach, possibly in time for the 4th of July.

A proposal has been working its way through the state senate since earlier this year to possibly allow drinking in the city’s tourism district, which includes portions of the beach and boardwalk.

The bill has had support from lawmakers on both sides.

The proposal received approval from the state's Law and Public Safety Committee on Friday, CBS 3 reported Friday night.

Now, business leaders and local officials are speaking out in support of the measure as well.

Tom Forkin of the Atlantic City Alcohol Control Board said he’s not worried about it bringing trouble to the area.

“There are still laws on the books about public intoxication and things of that nature,” Forkin told NBC 10’s Drew Smith this past week.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials also seem to be in favor of the proposal. Police Sgt. Kevin Fair, of the Atlantic City Police Department, told the Townsquare News Network that the department fully supports the proposal. "Anything that could add to the tourism here in Atlantic City, we're all for it," said Fair.

If finalized, the bill would allow patrons to remove a single alcoholic beverage for consumption -- meaning you wouldn’t be able to hit the beach or boards with a six-pack or bottle of liquor. You'd be able to leave a bar holding a drink, however.

Officials are hoping the proposal could be finalized in time for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, which is often one of the busiest weekends of the year in the shore town.

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