Sandy helps shore town reach deal on bar closings

(AP) A bitter dispute between a popular Jersey shore resort and its boardwalk bars over measures to combat rowdy late-night revelers has been largely laid to rest, thanks in part to Superstorm Sandy.

Point Pleasant Beach has reached an agreement with the owners of Jenkinson's Boardwalk to drop a proposed midnight bar closing law in return for the company dropping lawsuits against the town. Jenkinson's also will contribute up to $1 million to help rebuild the storm-damaged boardwalk.

The town last summer tried to close bars two hours earlier than normal to cut down on disruptions to neighborhoods by bar patrons returning to their cars. But the bars sued and a state agency put the matter on hold.

Jenkinson's says the storm helped push both sides to settle their differences.