Cape May Imposes 8 p.m. Beach Curfew for Minors, Bans Bags Over 8 Inches
Updated
Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Aug 14
Cape May Imposes 8 p.m. Beach Curfew for Minors, Bans Bags Over 8 Inches
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Aug 14
Summary
Cape May fast-tracked stricter rules ahead of Labor Day weekend, barring anyone under 18 from beaches after 8 p.m. without an adult and from other public areas after 10:30 p.m.
An 8-inch bag limit will also apply on beaches and the Promenade from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., with exemptions for medical devices and immediate medical-care needs.
City officials said police needed the rules immediately after a July 23 night with heavy juvenile crowds and at least one altercation; officers have also cited recurring late-night gatherings, drinking and fights.
Mayor Zack Mullock and Police Chief Dekon Fashaw said Cape May wants to deter teens mixing with bar patrons and may be seeing spillover from tougher crowd controls in nearby shore towns such as Wildwood.
The move fits a broader New Jersey shore crackdown after Seaside Heights made early boardwalk closures, Ocean City saw a 2024 stabbing, and state lawmakers stiffened penalties for public brawls and parental liability.