Cape May imposes night curfew on unaccompanied minors and bans large bags
Cape May's city council approved curfews that prohibit minors without adults from the beach after 8 p.m. and from any public space after 10:30 p.m., while also banning backpacks and similar bags on the promenade from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
In a unanimous decision, the Cape May City Council adopted new ordinances that restrict unaccompanied minors from accessing the beach after 8 p.m. and from any city public space after 10:30 p.m. Mayor Zachary Mullock explained the curfews are intended to deter youths from neighboring shore towns from using Cape May as an after-hours party spot. The Cape May Police Department also announced a ban on backpacks, duffel bags, and other containers larger than eight inches in height, width or depth on the beach and promenade between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for essential medical equipment.
Recent months have seen several arrests for fights and underage drinking during overnight hours, prompting the crackdown. Mullock, who is campaigning for a congressional seat against Rep. Jeff Van Drew, praised the immediate effect of the rules, noting families enjoyed a calm evening. Tourists, such as John Christiansen, expressed support, calling the policy a sensible preventative measure. The city hopes the curfews will curb the viral “teen takeover” trend that has sparked chaos in other Jersey Shore communities.
Why it matters
The curfew aims to reduce nighttime disturbances and underage drinking, protecting residents and tourists in a popular beach destination.
In this story
