Just returned from a week in Sea Isle with my wife and another c

Sea Isle City - Just returned from a week in Sea Isle with my wife and another couple. The night spots were so crowded and after paying a "cover" and then $38 for one round of drinks we could no longer stand it and left. Why they were letting people in defies logic but I guess money talks. We were so concerned for our safety should the place have to be emptied in an emergency, we left. How do they get away with it?