Cape May Enacts Juvenile Curfews and Beach Bag Ban

The Cape May City Council unanimously passed emergency ordinances on Thursday, August 14, 2026, implementing strict curfews for unaccompanied minors and banning large bags in public areas. The measures follow a July incident involving juvenile assaults and public disturbances, as well as reports of underage drinking and fights during the summer season.

Under the new rules, individuals under 18 without an adult are prohibited from beaches and beachfront access ways starting at 8 p.m. A broader curfew for unaccompanied juveniles in all other public spaces takes effect at 10:30 p.m. Additionally, the city banned backpacks and bags larger than eight inches from the beach, bayfront, and promenade between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., with exceptions for medical equipment. Failure to comply with the bag ban after two warnings is classified as a breach of the peace.

Mayor Zachary Mullock stated the city aimed to avoid becoming an "afterparty" for minors fleeing similar restrictions in neighboring Jersey Shore towns. Police Chief Dekon Fashaw noted that the decision was informed by juvenile management practices used in other South Jersey municipalities and across the country. The Cape May Police Department has since issued reminders to residents and visitors to familiarize themselves with the requirements to maintain a safe environment during the busy summer season.