Wildwood bans possession of alcohol on beach and boardwalk

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - City of Wildwood Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance banning possession of alcohol on the beach and boardwalk. Mayor Pete Byron, Deputy Mayor Krista Fitzsimons and Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski introduced the stricter ordinance at the May 10, 2023 Board of Commissioners meeting. 

"Alcohol of any kind has always been prohibited on the beach and boardwalk. In fact, there is already a sign at every street entrance to the beach. This new ordinance not only prohibits the drinking and/or open display of alcohol, but also says the mere existence of any kind of alcohol is prohibited," said Mayor Byron.

According to City Solicitor Louis DeLollis, Esq., these ordinances mirror ordinances in other shore towns which also seek to crack down on the matter of possession, not only on the beach, but also on the boardwalk. If you are in possession, you are in violation of the law. Designated restaurants or permitted events on the beach and boardwalk are the only exceptions.

According to Deputy Mayor Krista Fitzsimons, "Every year, the city receives numerous complaints about drinking, marijuana use and smoking on the beach and boardwalk. This is how we are responding to those complaints."

Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski continued, "This is a matter of public safety. We understand people are on vacation and want to have a good time. We want everyone to enjoy Wildwood. Drinking, especially in the sun on vacation, often leads to excess and unruly behavior, not to mention increased health risks."

In a second vote, the Commissioners also approved a Breach of Peace ordinance to help the police crack down on juvenile curfew violations, excessive noise, littering, vandalism, setting off illegal fireworks and riding bikes on the boardwalk after hours, among other complaints.