Cape Cod Police Chief Hopes To Curb July 4 Debauchery With New Beach Policy

DENNIS, MA — The Town of Dennis will have some new rules and safety measures in place for the July 4 festivities in 2024.

Police Chief John Brady shared a video message on Facebook explaining the new measures. Most notably, Dennis will eliminate the sale of daily parking passes at Mayflower, Chapin Memorial and Bayview Beach on July 4.

Only people with a valid 2024 resident, seasonal or weekly parking sticker will be allowed to enter those beach lots on the holiday.

This is in large part to disruptive behavior town officials have encountered over the last few years over the July 4 weekend.

"Over the past few years we have seen a dramatic increase in unsafe and dangerous conduct," Brady said.

He noted that, over the past few July 4 holidays, officials have seen cases of fighting, assaults, vandalism, binge drinking, drug use, loud music and "other concerning behavior."

In addition to the parking pass adjustments, police will also enforce a parking ban in the neighborhoods and businesses near the beaches. People in violation of the bans can be ticketed or towed.

The town is also putting in place a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug consumption, plus "overly loud music and unsafe behavior," Brady said.

Local police will have a heightened presence in these areas, Brady said, noting that additional resources will also be brought in to police them.