Cape May Enacts Teen Curfews to Combat Beach Disorder and Underage Drinking

Cape May’s City Council has unanimously adopted new restrictions targeting unaccompanied minors in response to escalating concerns over underage drinking, fighting and rowdy conduct. Residents under 18 are now barred from beaches after 8 p.m. without adult supervision, while minors cannot remain in public spaces between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. The measures mark an expansion of existing municipal codes that have prohibited minors from public areas during late-night hours since 2002.

The police department additionally banned backpacks and certain bags or containers from beaches and the promenade after 8 p.m., with exceptions for medically necessary equipment. Officials cited multiple arrests stemming from youth-related fights and alcohol violations as justification for the crackdown. The ordinances aim to prevent the large unauthorized youth gatherings that have plagued other nearby Shore communities.

Mayor Zachary Mullock stated the city wanted to avoid becoming “the afterparty to some of the other towns that have already made this move.” Police Chief Dekon Fashaw emphasized that the restrictions are not meant to discourage young visitors entirely, saying the department aims to encourage responsible behavior rather than exclude teenagers from the resort destination.

Similar curfew policies have been adopted by Ocean City, Wildwood, North Wildwood and Seaside Heights. In May, Long Branch deployed 139 officers to manage an unauthorized pop-up event that devolved into vehicle vandalism and boardwalk disorder, resulting in six arrests and an emergency 8 p.m. curfew implementation.

Early feedback suggests the measures are effective, with Mullock reporting peaceful evenings shortly after implementation. Some visitors expressed support for the restrictions, acknowledging that the beach town’s limited nightlife makes evening curfews reasonable for a community that quiets down by 10 or 10:30 p.m.