A well-loved Jersey Shore town, Cape May, is setting new guidelines for minors following concerns about underage drinking and disruptive behavior. The City Council has approved measures preventing anyone under 18 from being on the beach after 8 p.m. without an adult. Additionally, unaccompanied minors cannot be in public places between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The Cape May Police Department has further banned backpacks and certain bags after 8 p.m. on the beach and promenade, unless they carry essential medical equipment. WPVI-TV from Philadelphia reported that several incidents of underage drinking and fights led to arrests.
Cape May, known for its Victorian architecture, has long restricted minors from public areas between midnight and 6 a.m. during the summer months and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. off-season. These rules aim to prevent large youth gatherings that have disrupted neighboring communities.
Mayor Zachary Mullock emphasized the need to ensure Cape May is not perceived as an alternative destination for gatherings. He stated, “After 10:30 p.m., we all know it’s typically not favorable activities that occur, so as a parent myself, I think these rules are positive.”
Similar restrictions have been enacted in other Jersey Shore communities such as Ocean City, Wildwood, and Seaside Heights. Long Branch, for instance, restored order after a pop-up event led to fighting and disorderly conduct by imposing an 8 p.m. emergency curfew, resulting in multiple arrests.
Cape May Police Chief Dekon Fashaw clarified that the intent is not to deter juveniles from visiting but to encourage responsibility during their stay. Reported feedback indicates that the regulations are proving effective, with families enjoying quieter evenings.
Visitors like Jack McCune and John Christiansen expressed understanding and support for these measures, noting that Cape May tends to quiet down by late evening. “It’s really just a few bad kids that cause trouble, so once everyone finds out what they need to do then it’s good,” Christiansen remarked.
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