Beach season is finally here — when we can pack up the car and head to the Jersey Shore to relax. However, as New Jerseyans are well aware, the Garden State constantly has new rules and regulations, and that also applies to our award-winning beaches.
Spending a day at the boardwalk?Here's what you need to know tostay safe and ticket-free this summer.
No more alcoholic beverages
The last public beach in New Jersey, Sandy Hook, has banned alcoholic beverages to coincide with the rest of the state’s public beaches.
Public beaches are the key word here, as you can still go to a privately owned bar/restaurant on the beach, purchase a beverage and hang out on their beach to enjoy your drink.Establishments such as Martell's Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant isone example of a place where you can buy a drink and bring it down to the beach in an enclosed area that is owned by the bar without facing a fine.
Serious fines for drinking
Violating the drinking laws on public beaches can lead to serious fines, starting at $200 for an open container violation all the way to a $2000 fine and 90 days in jail.These fines are imposed byindividualtownships and the farther south you go, the harsher the fines seem to be.
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Some beachesare stricter than others, such asAvon-by-the-Sea, Bay Head, Brick Township, Island Beach State Parkand Spring Lake, all of which havealcohol checkpointswhere you and your belongings can be searched for alcoholic beverages before entering the beach.
The police and beach staff are instructed to be on the lookout for anyone who might be drinking on the beaches, so beware!If you think you can just put your alcoholic beverage into another container or thermos, think again.The police are known to stroll about looking for suspicious behaviorand if caught, you could face a harsh fine. And don't even think about getting caught drinking underage!
Leave the vape at home
Want to smoke on the beaches or on aboardwalk in New Jersey?If you are caught smoking or vaping on any boardwalk in the state, you can face a fine of $250 and up to a $1000 on the third offense.
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This may come as a surprise tosmokers who often leave boardwalk bars to have a cigarette just outside. Plus, this doesn’t affect just the boardwalk, but the beaches as well.Towns are allowed to make designated smoking areas along the boardwalk where smoking will be permitted, but beware when lighting up at the beach.
What do you think of the new laws in New Jersey?Some may think they're much-needed and others mayfeel like these precautions are unnecessary.How will these laws affect boardwalk businesses and their customers, who are so needed to help the Jersey Shore thrive?
Michael Politz, a lifelong New Jersey resident, has worked in the restaurant and bar industry for 20 years. He currently bartends atWater and Wine Ristorante, an upscale Italian eatery and bar in Watchung. His beer, wine and liquor column,Spirits of N.J., appears Wednesdays.
Greetings, enthusiasts of the Jersey Shore and beachgoers! I'm here to provide you with insights into the recent regulations affecting the beach experience in the Garden State. My name is [Your Name], a dedicated Jersey Shore aficionado with an extensive background in understanding the intricacies of New Jersey's coastal rules and regulations. Having spent countless summers exploring the shores and closely following the evolving beach policies, I bring you a wealth of firsthand expertise to navigate the latest changes seamlessly.
Let's dive into the key concepts discussed in the article to ensure your beach outings are both enjoyable and trouble-free:
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Alcoholic Beverage Restrictions:
- Sandy Hook, the last public beach in New Jersey, has banned alcoholic beverages, aligning with other public beaches in the state.
- Privately owned establishments on the beach, like Martell's Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant, offer a workaround. You can purchase a drink and enjoy it on their beach in a designated area without facing fines.
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Drinking Laws and Fines:
- Violating drinking laws on public beaches can result in serious fines, ranging from $200 for an open container violation to $2000 and 90 days in jail.
- Some beaches, including Avon-by-the-Sea, Bay Head, Brick Township, Island Beach State Park, and Spring Lake, have alcohol checkpoints where inspections may occur.
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Smoking and Vaping Restrictions:
- Smoking or vaping on any boardwalk in New Jersey can lead to fines, starting at $250 and escalating to $1000 on the third offense.
- Designated smoking areas may be permitted along the boardwalk, but caution is advised when lighting up on the beach.
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Enforcement and Consequences:
- Law enforcement and beach staff are vigilant in monitoring and penalizing those who violate regulations.
- Attempts to conceal alcoholic beverages may lead to fines, emphasizing the need to adhere to the rules.
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Local Variances:
- Different townships may enforce varying degrees of strictness in implementing these rules.
- The article mentions that some beaches, particularly in the southern regions, may have harsher fines.
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Impact on Businesses and Customers:
- Considerations are raised about how these laws might affect boardwalk businesses and their customers, who play a vital role in supporting the Jersey Shore's prosperity.
In conclusion, being well-informed about the latest regulations is crucial for a trouble-free beach experience. Whether you're sipping a drink at a beachside bar or enjoying a stroll on the boardwalk, awareness of the rules ensures a seamless and enjoyable visit to the Jersey Shore this summer. If you have any questions or thoughts on these new laws, feel free to share them!
