Beach crackdown: New rules in effect for Ocean City beaches this summer
The new beach curfew will apply to people of all ages, as will the evening backpack ban.
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Ocean City has imposed new rules on beaches just in time for the summer season.
All Ocean City beaches will close at 8 p.m.
Backpacks will be banned on boardwalks at 8 p.m.
A mandatory curfew will be in place at 11 p.m. for anyone under 18.
Ocean City’s official website says the new policies come in response to a Memorial Day weekend in Ocean City that saw the continuation of a trend that began when statewide legislation largely stripped police officers of the ability to question juveniles, search juveniles, and confiscate alcohol.
Over the weekend, police responded to 999 incidents (up from 869 during Memorial Day weekend in 2022), according to the website.
In addition to underage drinking, police responded to incidents involving vandalism, assaults, shoplifting, confiscation of a firearm, and a variety of other infractions, the website says.
The new beach curfew and the evening backpack ban will apply to people of all ages. The new rules will be part of a citywide plan that will include police staffing, more announcements on the boardwalk and a public awareness campaign.
Mayor Gillian says "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. In the end, protecting our reputation as ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’ will benefit everybody in Ocean City."
