D'Jais in Belmar Praised For COVID Compliance

BELMAR – Gov. Phil Murphy praised D'Jais in Belmar after criticizing the bar and club last week for failing to social distance.

During his Monday news conference, Murphy made a point of complimenting Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant Beach and D'Jais in Belmar, as well as Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, for sticking with the coronavirus rules this past weekend.

"I want to acknowledge the enhanced compliance we saw this weekend at numerous outdoor Jersey Shore outdoor bars and clubs to ensure proper social distancing – not just among patrons, but those waiting to get in," Murphy said.

During a news conference last week, Murphy called out patrons at Jenkinson's, D'Jais and Donovan's Reef in Sea Bright after they were seen not social distancing in photos. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Jenkinson's Will 'Shut' If Patrons Don't Behave

Murphy said the difference between last week and this week "was more than noticeable."

"So I have to give management and patrons a big 'thank you,' " Murphy said.

Murphy did take two additional Jersey Shore bars to task for allegedly breaking coronavirus orders this past weekend. Read more: Murphy Issues Warning After 5 Jersey Shore Bars Break COVID Rules

Murphy said he knows this problem "isn't fixed and even wearing masks, social distancing, which is still the order of the day, wasn't universal," even at the bars he complimented.

"Obviously, more bars are trying to do the right thing, but equally as obvious, we all need to redouble our efforts," he said.

Murphy noted that "there are few more weeks – thank God – in the summer."