POLL: Do you think there should be a ban on alcohol on Montauk beaches?

Members of the Montauk Citizens Advisory Committee, recently voted in favor of a law to ban drinking alcohol on a Montauk beach during a meeting at the Montauk Public School on Monday night.

At the meeting, the committee members posed a question on whether or not there should be a ban on alcohol at the ocean beach adjacent to the Montauk business district.

The members of the committee, which helps to make suggestions to the Town Board, recommended the law that would enact a ban between Memorial Day through Labor Day from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

The problem has been growing, but reached a breaking point after the recent “out of control” Fourth of July weekend when several residents complained that Montauk has gained a reputation for partying.

The beaches were not exempt from the party, which would spill into the local streets and then back on the beach once the bars closed, leading to issues with ”public urination and littering,” according to Deputy Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc.

Most municipalities on Long Island already have some sort of ban on alcohol on beaches, including Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett, which has been called “Frat Beach” after it became known for hosting several parties.

Last year, the Town banned alcohol at the beach during lifeguard hours which “improved the situation immensely,” Van Scoyoc said.

“[Montauk] is a beautiful place to come and we expect visitors and we expect them to behave a certain way,” he said.

After hearing the citizen’s complaints after the Fourth of July weekend, the Town is trying to address specific issues in the area.

The Town has not yet proposed an official law on the alcohol ban and is still looking to gauge the interests of the locals.

Citizens will get a chance to express their opinion at the next Montauk Citizens Advisory Committee in October, which will be attended by local police.

So far, the Town has proposed several laws to help solve the problems in Montauk, including banning parking by a popular local bar and requiring bar, restaurant and nightclub owners count the number of patrons.

Van Scoyoc says that he believes that these changes so far have been successful and hopes to continue making changes to improve the area.