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Downtown business owners urge better Parade Day coordination as underage drinking strains enforcement
Summary
Business owner Tara P told the council Parade Day caused underage drinking, insufficient bathrooms and lost revenue for downtown shops; council and police described a state law (N.J.S.A. 2C:33‑5) that limits enforcement options for minors and said they will pursue local coordination and legislative outreach.
Tara P, a Belmar resident and owner of Hot Mess Studio, told the council during public comment that parade‑day crowds led to underage drinking, public urination, and lost business downtown. “There weren't enough bathrooms…people were coming in, teenagers that were drunk that were looking for bathrooms,” she said, and urged the borough and parade committee to improve communication with downtown merchants.
Council members responded that they would ask the parade committee to interface more closely with the Chamber of Commerce and businesses. A council member and officials described steps under consideration—better notice of street closures, improved event logistics, and possible shuttle/trolley linkages between the waterfront festival and Main Street to keep visitors moving among business districts.
Council and police officials also explained that a state statutory change linked to cannabis law has constrained local enforcement of underage possession and consumption. A council member cited N.J.S.A. 2C:33‑5 in describing limits on detention and the limited remedies available to police—requiring written warnings rather than custodial detention in many underage possession cases—making Parade Day enforcement more difficult.
Why it matters: Business owners report direct revenue loss and operational disruption on major event days; councilors said they will pursue better operational coordination locally and raise statutory concerns with state legislators. Residents suggested short‑term mitigations such as more portable toilets, clearer street‑closure notices, physical barriers, and shuttle service to link festival areas with downtown businesses.
The mayor and council invited the Chamber, parade organizers and tourism committee to meet with staff to craft solutions before next season; no formal policy was adopted at the meeting.
