ATLANTIC CITY has had a long history of treating laws pertaining to alcohol sales and consumption with indifference, if not outright scorn. But there has been one location that historically has been as dry as rural Utah: the beach.

Despite it's "no-brainer" status, the concept of saloons on the strand took almost 150 years to be realized; it wasn't until the summer of 2002 that booze could be legally sold and imbibed there.

Early on in the legal-beach-bar-era, as many as seven casinos set up seasonal nightclubs on the sand. But several factors, including regulations enacted by the Department of Environmental Protection, have culled the herd, as it were.

This summer, as in 2008, only three beach bars will be operating as of next weekend: the Atlantic City Hilton Beach Bar, Bikini Beach at Bally's Atlantic City and Trump Plaza Beach Bar.

Atlantic City Hilton Beach Bar

Although it opens next Friday and will operate seven days a week, the Hilton Beach Bar won't really get going until July 3, at which time a live-entertainment schedule will take effect Friday through Sunday.

Longtime patrons will notice at least two major changes this summer: A much larger stage (under a huge tent), which will allow bigger, horn-based bands to be booked, and the move by popular Philly oldies DJ Bob Pantano (of WOGL-FM) and his Friday Night Dance Party from Trump Plaza Beach Bar.

Hilton Entertainment Director Tina Belluscio has decided to take the al fresco lounge's musical format in a more rock-oriented direction (as opposed to island-style and disco sounds), but a tropical vibe will still be heard and felt Sunday afternoons.

Also in the works is a summer-long "adult bikini" competition.

Atlantic City Hilton, Boardwalk at Boston Avenue, noon-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, cover charges may apply, 609-347-7111, www.hiltonac.com.

Bikini Beach, Bally's Atlantic City

This summer, Bikini Beach will operate with a different daily theme: Latin Night (Monday), Karaoke (Tuesday), '80s (Wednesday), Tribute Bands (Thursday), Fashion (Friday), Beach Party (Saturday), and Recovery (Sunday).

According to Danny Brockdorf, Bally's director of marketing, "Fashion Fridays" will spotlight clothes from retailers at The Walk, AyCee's midtown shopping district, while "Recovery Sundays" will be "the cure for all your Saturday night partying. We'll have all kinds of great drink specials - and plenty of eye candy!"

DJ Kannon of Wired (96.5 FM) will host both the Saturday night "Beach Party" and Sunday afternoons.

As for food, Bikini Beach will again offer the menu from Pickles, the casino's deli, but this year, service will be extended to 8 p.m. daily.

And for those not wanting to drive home after a night of oceanside debauchery, an "Experience the Beach" hotel package that includes a room and $50 Bikini Beach voucher is available Sunday through Friday nights, starting at $119.

Bally's Atlantic City, Boardwalk at Park Place, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, evening cover charges may apply, 609-340-6983, www.ballysac.com.

Trump Plaza Beach Bar

At 15,000 square feet, the Plaza Beach Bar - just named one of the Travel Channel's "21 Sexiest Beach Bars" - is the town's largest such facility. It'll be open weekends only until June 15, when it will begin a seven-day schedule.

Fridays through Sundays will feature a mix of DJs and top regional "cover bands" (e.g. Don't Call Me Francis, LeCompt, Split Decision).

Mondays will showcase the Juliano Brothers. Tuesdays will see "SIN (Service Industry Night) on the Beach" events for folks in the local hospitality industry. Wednesdays, the bar hosts a "Battle of the Bands" contest, while Thursdays, popular cover band Eleven Eleven will host a live karaoke night (singing patrons will be backed by the group), dubbed "Atlantic City Idol."

Trump Plaza, Boardwalk at Mississippi Avenue, cover charges may be in effect, 11:30 a.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 609-441-6000, www.trumpplaza.com.

Ladies only

Next Thursday, The Pier Shops at Caesars will have "Girls Night Out," a two-hour shop-and-party spree.

Participating store Tommy Bahama will sponsor a "Sip & Swim" soiree spotlighting swimsuits and offering free cocktails and munchies from Phillips Seafood. L'Occitane will provide French spritzers, fudge and chocolate-covered strawberries while pitching its high-end fragrances and skin care products.

Admission is free. The first 200 women who sign up will receive a free gift bag.  Register at 215-627-1082, ext. 1 or www.cashmanandassociates.com.

Hooters competition

Tonight at the Tropicana, more than 30 Hooters Girls from the Attila Wings Hooters Franchise Area (Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island) will compete for the title of Miss Attila Wings. The winner will move on to Hooters 13th Annual International Swimsuit Pageant June 20 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Because yours truly is all about self-sacrifice for the greater good, I'll be one of the judges entrusted with making this all-important decision.

The festivities start at 9 p.m. Admission is $5 (tickets available today at the Trop Showroom). Proceeds are earmarked for RNS Cancer Memorial and mobile mammography benefiting greater Atlantic County.

Milestone reached

Trump Plaza yesterday celebrated its 25th birthday with appropriate hoopla. And give yourself a pat on the back if you remember the midtown gaming hall (and Donald Trump's first casino) began life as a joint project known as Harrah's at Trump Plaza. *

Chuck Darrow has covered Atlantic City and casinos for more than 20 years. Read his blog http://go.philly.com/casinotes.

E-mail him at darrowc@phillynews.com.

And listen to his Atlantic City report Saturdays at 1:25 a.m. with Steve Trevelise on WIP (610-AM).

CORRECTION:

The "Girls Night Out" special event Thursday night at The Pier at Caesars in Atlantic City has an unlimited enrollment. The first 200 women who sign up will receive a free gift bag.