Referendum proponent Matt Kelly had suggested booze be allowed in the vicinity of the train station.  (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

Little Silver is ready to wet its whistle.

Voters said “cheers” in Tuesday’s election to a referendum that would end the borough’s dry spell dating back at least to Prohibition, according to results posted by the Monmouth County Clerk.

By a 742 to 692 margin, voters approved the binding referendum, which calls on the council to create and auction off a single license for on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The council must first approve a zoning ordinance to allow for such a bar or restaurant.

Matt Kelly, the builder who spearheaded the referendum, has suggested the use be allowed in the vicinity of the borough train station.