As the summer season kicks off next month, a notorious party town on the Jersey shore is cracking down on beach and boardwalk booze, enlisting a ban on all adult libations.
To assist with enforcing the prohibition, local Wildwood, New Jersey leaders approved an ordinance Wednesday evening that would outlaw possession of any and all adult beverage containers in public areas, even if the container is unopened.
Local law enforcement said the ordinance is not new, but Jersey coast officers often let the adult beverages slide. Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron said this summer season will be different.
“Alcohol of any kind has always been prohibited on the beach and boardwalk,” Byron said in a statement Thursday. “In fact, there is already a sign at every street entrance to the beach.”
The new ordinance, “not only prohibits the drinking and/or open display of alcohol but also says the mere existence of any kind of alcohol is prohibited,” the mayor said.
Because there have been several yearly annual grievances over drinking and smoking cannabis, Wildwood officials deemed it necessary to strengthen the law.
Inundated with tourists and beach partygoers from June through August, the town only has roughly 6,000 full-time residents.
“We understand people are on vacation and want to have a good time. We want everyone to enjoy Wildwood,” said Wildwood Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski. “Drinking, especially in the sun on vacation, often leads to excess and unruly behavior, not to mention increased health risks.”
Introduced by city commissioners on May 10, the ordinance will go into effect 20 days after its Wednesday passage, per New Jersey state law.
Byron did tell the Philadelphia Inquirer that the aim isn’t to spoil vacation fun but to discourage bad conduct.
He added that first offenders will probably get a slap on the wrist, with request to take their beverages back to their hotels or dispose of them.
“Are people still going to bring alcohol to the beach? Probably. We’re looking for the worst offenders,” he told the Inquirer.
Permitted beach and boardwalk events, and designated restaurants will be exempt from the alcohol ban.
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