999 Emergency Calls Spark Beach Crackdowns In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — In response to a Memorial Day Weekend filled with underage drinking and other incidents, Ocean City has announced a number of new rules in an attempt to curb teenage infractions at the beach.

Orders signed off by Mayor Jay Gillian Tuesday include, according to a city news release:

• All beaches will be closed at 8 p.m.
• Carrying backpacks on the beach and boardwalk will not be permitted after 8 p.m.
• Boardwalk bathrooms will be closed at 10 p.m.
• The curfew for juveniles is now 11 p.m., not 1 a.m.

These new rules come after police responded to 999 incidents over the weekend (up from 869 during Memorial Day Weekend 2022). In addition to underage drinking, police responded to incidents involving vandalism, assaults, shoplifting, confiscation of a firearm, and a variety of other infractions.

Firefighters and EMTs were just as busy, responding to teens who drank to the point of unconsciousness, assault victims, mental health issues and other incidents.

Groups of teens and young adults has been an issue in Ocean City recently, with police being given power to take people into custody for some minor violations. Read more: Police Get More Power To Stop Teen Gatherings In Ocean City

“We want parents, grandparents and families to know that we’re all in this together, and we will be holding people accountable,” Gillian said. “I also want to send a message to our governor and legislators that the laws they forced on all municipalities are a threat to public safety, and they deprive families of the opportunity to enjoy the Jersey Shore.”

These new rules are not just for teenagers; they apply to all ages, the city said. They're part of a citywide plan that will include police staffing, more announcements on the boardwalk and a public awareness campaign.

“I understand that these new directives will affect many people who are not teens, but it’s important that we stop this type of behavior now,” Gillian said. “In the end, protecting our reputation as ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’ will benefit everybody in Ocean City.”

“I want to support the men and women of our police department,” Gillian said. “They have been doing everything they can – within the law – to address this situation, and I want to give them the tools to get the job done.”

An emergency City Council meeting is set for 1 p.m. on June 1. It will be followed by a news conference at 3 p.m.