Government

Seaside Heights Implements Youth Curfew, Will Shut Down Beaches Early

by
Daniel Nee
June 22, 2023

Altercations posted to social media during the 2023 Memorial Day weekend in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Source: Instagram/TikTok)

Seaside Heights officials on Wednesday passed multiple resolutions and adopted ordinances to crack down on what many residents have described as out-of-control teens – often intoxicated – causing trouble with police on the boardwalk and local streets.

The governing body passed two measures Wednesday – one that takes effect immediately on an emergency basis and one that will permanently be codified in the borough code after a public hearing and second vote. Both establish a 10 p.m. curfew for those under the age of 18, except when traveling to or from work or with an adult, and close access to beaches at 8 p.m. except for those actively fishing or surfing. Further, according to Borough Attorney Jean Cipriani, the resolution empowers officials to close the boardwalk completely in the event of a “pop-up” gathering or any scenario where the security situation becomes too much for police to control.

“If we have to look at the closing of the boardwalk or beach, it will be with the consultation of the administrator, police chief and OEM coordinator,” said Mayor Anthony Vaz.

Beaches will remain open to the public later than 8 p.m. if a sanctioned event is taking place, officials said.

Seaside Heights is the latest of dozens of Jersey Shore communities to impose a youth curfew after several weekends of incidents dating back to Memorial Day weekend. Law enforcement has struggled to keep control due to reform measures signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy that strictly limits when police can engage with juveniles, what they can ask, or when they can detain them. In some cases, police chiefs have said, officers fear they themselves could face a third degree criminal charge for violating the state policy.

“The resolution that was adopted serves as more of an emergency measure that becomes effective immediately,” said Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz. “The ordinance … will insert that into the code so it stays perpetually until it’s changed.”

The response from residents who filled the council chambers was overwhelmingly positive, with applause breaking out after the council unanimously voted on the resolutions and ordinances. The measures did have one detractor: Stephen Melvin, an Irish immigrant who owns Three Brothers From Italy Pizza who compared the actions to early 20th century discriminatory “No Irish Need Apply” policies.

“A very small percentage cause trouble, but most of them are good kids and good customers,” he said. “They have rights, they shouldn’t be discriminated against, just like the Irish, just like the Italians.”

“You don’t move to Disney World and then say, ‘let’s get rid of Mickey Mouse,'” he continued. “Seaside Heights is the home of summer fun. It’s a great mix. That’s why I moved here from Ireland. Yes, there are some bad kids, but that can be managed.”

The Seaside Heights boardwalk on a busy night during the summer of 2019. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Seaside Heights Code Enforcement officers ride along the boardwalk, July 2020. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The council also adopted new measures that will apply to rental units and motels, which Shorebeat has addressed in a separate story. Some residents said they took no pleasure in supporting the new rules, but as in other high-profile boardwalk communities like Ocean City and Wildwood, the situation was growing out of control each weekend this season, even with foul weather.

“I’m sorry to say, these regulations need to be exercised,” said resident Nancy Quinn. “I came here at that age, and I didn’t disrespect the town, the police officers, the block.”

Quinn said she witnessed juveniles urinating, defecating and engaging in sex acts outdoors on her street.

“These aren’t kids who just want to come to Seaside for their prom,” said Quinn. “They show up in cars, in Ubers – they’re not just deciding to head to the boardwalk to have some pizza. It’s not just Memorial Day Weekend, it’s been every weekend since.”

Vaz, the mayor, said the policies will begin to be implemented immediately, and enforcement will be strict with undercover officers being deployed in force this coming weekend.

“We’re going to be very strong,” he said. “The word tonight is ’enforcement.’ Friday, undercover police will start like we never have before. They’re going to be patrolling the beach, the streets and the boardwalk. We have a plan of action.”

Vaz said additional ordinance aimed at cracking down on season quality-of-life offenses are likely to be unveiled as the season continues.

“We have several more [ordinances] coming in the next couple of weeks,” the mayor said.