TOMS RIVER — Township officials have reinstated a nighttime curfew for juveniles on the township’s barrier island communities ahead of the summer season, citing concerns over public safety and disorderly behavior.
Mayor Daniel T. Rodrick’s office sent Jersey Shore Online and other media outlets the declaration ahead of the long Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The declaration, signed by Police Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Guy Maire on May 20, establishes a curfew for anyone 17 years old or younger between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in portions of Ortley Beach and North Beach. The order takes effect at 12 a.m. Friday, May 22, and remains in place through September 8.
Township officials said similar curfews used during the summers from 2020 through 2025 helped reduce vandalism, criminal mischief, and large unsanctioned “pop-up” parties promoted on social media. The declaration states the previous restrictions were “demonstrably effective” in maintaining order in the barrier island sections of town.
Under the order, juveniles are prohibited from being in public streets, parks, businesses, beaches, and other public areas during curfew hours unless they meet specific exemptions.
Those exemptions include being accompanied by a parent or guardian, traveling to or from work, responding to emergencies, participating in supervised recreational or civic events, or exercising constitutional rights such as freedom of speech or religion.
The affected areas include North Beach, stretching from the Lavallette border south to Brick Township along the barrier island, and Ortley Beach, between Seaside Heights and Lavallette.
Enforcement will focus on warnings and stationhouse adjustments rather than criminal charges. The order states juveniles will receive at least two curbside warnings and an opportunity to leave before further action is taken.
No summonses or juvenile delinquency charges will be issued solely for violating the curfew. However, parents, guardians, caretakers, or business operators who knowingly allow violations could face penalties under state law.
The post Toms River Reinstates Barrier Island Juvenile Curfew For Summer appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
