As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip toward winter, it might not seem like an urgent time to contemplate the continuation of outdoor music and relaxed regulations for outdoor dining. Yet, it’s the perfect time for Surf City officials to consider the pros and cons as Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order providing restaurants, bars, distilleries and breweries special dispensation to serve customers al fresco ends Nov. 30.

Mayor Francis Hodgson said the problem with outdoor music is “amplification,” while also acknowledging there are other…