Seaside Heights Approves Boardwalk Curfew, Rental Fines After Memorial Day Chaos

Seaside Heights has enacted a series of ordinances aimed at curbing disorderly behavior following a chaotic Memorial Day weekend marked by numerous arrests and violent incidents. The boardwalk will now close earlier, from midnight to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and federal holidays, with an additional ban on backpacks larger than 8 by 6 by 8 inches from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the peak season. These measures reflect a shift in community preference towards a more traditional, family-friendly Jersey Shore environment, supported by both residents and businesses. To further deter disturbances, a new state law criminalizes inciting public brawls, with penalties including prison time and fines, while a local ordinance holds parents financially responsible for their juveniles' involvement in such incidents. Officials also plan increased law enforcement presence, including support from New Jersey State Police, to prevent events promoted on social media from escalating into violence. The ordinances aim to ensure public safety and restore order in time for upcoming holidays like the Fourth of July.