A Jersey Shore town passed an ordinance banning elaborate tents from the beach as a way to help alleviate crowding.

Belmar's council voted Tuesday night to stop so-called "beach spreading," taking effect in the summer season of 2018.

Mayor Matt Doherty says that the increasing number of tents had gotten out of hand.

He says that he's not in favor of more government regulation but that people weren't using common sense.

The resolution won’t affect tents for small children or beach umbrellas. Other towns like Seaside Heights and Long Beach Island have enacted similar restrictions.

Some beachgoers tell News 12 New Jersey that they agree with the decision, but that they don’t want to see a large police presence enforcing the law.

"I'm sure that it's an uncomfortable inconvenience for some of the families but there's a safety factor that you really can't ignore,” Spring Lake resident Sean McCarthy says.

“I think it’s OK as long as they don’t’ go crazy with enforcement,” says Larry Fox, of Bradley Beach.

The ban will be in effect Memorial Day until Labor Day starting next year.