Jersey Shore Hotspot Bans Booze on Boardwalks, Beaches (2024)

What to Know

  • Wildwood has banned the possession of alcohol on the beach and boardwalk ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer.
  • Commissioners for the City of Wildwood unanimously passed the ordinance, which mirrors ordinances in other shore towns that aim to crack down on the possession of alcohol -- all after receiving yearly complaints on the matter. Designated restaurants or permitted events on the beach and boardwalk are the only exceptions.
  • The Commissioners also approved a Breach of Peace ordinance to help the police crack down on juvenile curfew violations, excessive noise, littering, vandalism, illegal fireworks and riding bikes on the boardwalk after hours, among other complaints.

Wildwood has banned the possession of alcohol on the beach and boardwalk ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer.

Commissioners for the City of Wildwood unanimously passed the ordinance, which mirrors ordinances in other shore towns that aim to crack down on the possession of alcohol -- all after receiving yearly complaints on the matter. Designated restaurants or permitted events on the beach and boardwalk are the only exceptions.

“Alcohol of any kind has always been prohibited on the beach and boardwalk. In fact, there is already a sign at every street entrance to the beach. This new ordinance not only prohibits the drinking and/or open display of alcohol, but also says the mere existence of any kind of alcohol is prohibited,” Mayor Pete Byron.

This ban comes after numerous complaints every year, according to officials.

“Every year, the city receives numerous complaints about drinking, marijuana use and smoking on the beach and boardwalk. This is how we are responding to those complaints," Deputy Mayor Krista Fitzsimons said.

The Commissioners also approved a Breach of Peace ordinance to help the police crack down on juvenile curfew violations, excessive noise, littering, vandalism, illegal fireworks and riding bikes on the boardwalk after hours, among other complaints.

“This is a matter of public safety. We understand people are on vacation and want to have a good time. We want everyone to enjoy Wildwood. Drinking, especially in the sun on vacation, often leads to excess and unruly behavior, not to mention increased health risks," Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski said.

Jersey Shore Hotspot Bans Booze on Boardwalks, Beaches (2024)

FAQs

Jersey Shore Hotspot Bans Booze on Boardwalks, Beaches? ›

The new ordinance, the mayor said, “not only prohibits the drinking and/or open display of alcohol but also says the mere existence of any kind of alcohol is prohibited.” Wildwood decided to strengthen its ordinance in response to numerous annual complaints about people drinking and smoking marijuana.

Can you drink on Jersey Shore Boardwalk? ›

Designated restaurants or permitted events on the beach and boardwalk are the only exceptions. “Alcohol of any kind has always been prohibited on the beach and boardwalk. In fact, there is already a sign at every street entrance to the beach.

Do any NJ beaches allow alcohol? ›

Jersey Shore Local Open Container Rules

Nearly every New Jersey beach makes it illegal to bring open containers – or any alcohol – to the beach. With the exception of some of the beaches at Sandy Hook, you cannot drink on the beach at the Jersey Shore. Some shore towns are even more strict than others.

What town in Jersey Shore has no alcohol? ›

Adding to Ocean City's family image is the fact that it's a “dry” town, meaning there is no alcohol of any kind sold within its borders.

Why did Wildwood ban alcohol? ›

Wildwood Deputy Mayor Krista Fitzsimons cited the numerous complaints about drinking, marijuana use and smoking on the beach and boardwalk received every year as part of the reason for the new ordinance. “This is a matter of public safety,” Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski said in the release.

How much is a ticket for drinking on the beach in NJ? ›

Possession or consumption of alcohol on the beach or boardwalk will be considered a breach of peace and violators face fines of up to $2,000. “I've been getting calls from people saying, 'now we can't drink on the beach? ' and I said, 'it's always been that way,'” Byron said. “We just added a little more teeth.

Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Wildwood, NJ? ›

Alcohol of any kind has always been prohibited on the beach and boardwalk," Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron said in a Thursday, May 25, 2023 news release.

Are coolers allowed on NJ beaches? ›

Small personal coolers are permitted (no alcohol, no glass). Coolers larger than 16-quart capacity are prohibited. Fires are not permitted on the beach without a Special Events and Fire permit.

Can you drink alcohol on Wildwood Boardwalk? ›

“Alcohol of any kind has always been prohibited on the beach and boardwalk. In fact, there is already a sign at every street entrance to the beach.

Can you bring a cooler on the beach in NJ? ›

Small coolers are permitted. However, coolers, barrels, and tubs that exceed 24" in length and/or have a capacity greater than 36 quarts are NOT permitted. A beach attendant or security officer may inspect your cooler for glass bottles and alcoholic beverages – neither of which are permitted on the beach.

Is anyone from Jersey Shore sober? ›

Jersey Shore's Ronnie Ortiz-Magro has also joined Sorrentino in sobriety. After struggling with depression, Ronnie sought treatment for his mental health and alcoholism. The star has discussed his mental health struggles, substance abuse issues, and how he realized it was time to get help for both.

Why is there a curfew at the Jersey Shore? ›

New Jersey beach towns have been rolling out numerous curfew measures in response to rising concerns about unruly behavior. After years in isolation during the pandemic, teenagers longing to gather with their peers have found their needs increasingly at odds with local residents and businesses.

Why is there no alcohol in Ocean City, NJ? ›

As a result of its religious origins, the sale or public drinking of alcoholic beverages in Ocean City was prohibited. In 1881, the Ocean City Association passed a set of blue laws, which were designed to enforce religious standards. The town banned the manufacturing or sale of alcohol in 1909.

Can you drink alcohol on Atlantic City boardwalk? ›

On the Atlantic City Boardwalk, on September 20, 2023, visitors, like the two women boarding the tram, enjoy their libations as the city continues to allow alcoholic beverages on the boardwalk in public spaces, a decision first made during the pandemic.

Can you drink on the boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ? ›

WILDWOOD, NJ – City of Wildwood Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance banning the possession of alcohol on the beach and boardwalk.

Can you drink alcohol on Wildwood boardwalk? ›

One ordinance prohibits the consumption, display or possession of alcohol on the beach and boardwalk. This includes all containers open or closed.

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