Wildwood officials passed a new nighttime backpack ban Wednesday that takes effect immediately in the Cape May County resort city.
The new rules, which were unanimously approved by the city’s board of commissioners, are designed to help prevent a repeat of last month’s chaotic Memorial Day weekend. During the busy holiday weekend, “police identified a series of incidents involving backpacks and other bags containing illegal drugs and alcohol in the possession of minors,” according to the ordinance.
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Under the new policy, backpacks and bags “larger than 8 inches in depth” are prohibited on the city’s beaches and boardwalk from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. There are exceptions for diaper bags and bags carrying medical equipment.
“We are pleased to announce the passing of the ‘Backpack Ordinance.’ We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Wildwood PD, the Governor’s Office, law enforcement throughout the state, our neighboring shore towns, and parents and teens to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for everyone,” Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano said in a statement Thursday.
The ban was approved the same day the Wildwood Police Department put out a statement about an unauthorized “pop-up” party planned to be held in the city this weekend.
Police on Wednesday said they are taking “preemptive measures” to prevent the unsanctioned event, adding the event’s organizers agreed to not hold the gathering. The event was organized on social media, police said.
Two years ago, Wildwood was the site of a deadly pop-up car rally that left two people dead and several others injured. Since then, the city has tried to take preemptive measures against unauthorized pop-up parties and similar events.
The ordinance approving the backpack ban also includes new rules about when a Wildwood police officer can give minors more than a warning for unlawful behavior. Under current state guidelines, most teens are not taken to the police station or arrested if they are cited for minor offenses.
The new ordinance allows law enforcement officers to pursue a formal delinquency complaint against some minors with the approval of the county prosecutor.
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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
