Pop-up parties that have taken over parts of the Jersey Shore in recent summers are leading Republican lawmakers to push for stiffer criminal charges against unruly crowds.
A video posted to social media last month showed hundreds of people gathered at the oceanfront Pier Village in Long Branch, some leaping onto cars and blocking traffic. Law enforcement was visibly outnumbered, several fights broke out and six people were arrested. In response, Sen. Robert Singer (R-Monmouth) is calling for fellow lawmakers to take action on a bill that would increase penalties for riot and disorderly conduct.
“Seeing this pop-up party in Long Branch,” Singer said. “It’s worrying us that this could be the beginning of a problem for the entire season.”
The gatherings are organized on social media. In recent years, though some towns have banned backpacks and set curfews on boardwalks, the parties have continued — putting a strain, Singer said, on local resources.
“We’re taking a look and reaching out to the State Police, the Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey Transit to say, ‘You’ve got to do better.’”
As the height of summer tourism approaches, Singer stressed the importance of cracking down on these parties to preserve Jersey Shore’s welcoming and family-friendly environment.
“The people who spend money down at the Jersey Shore are families … they spend the dollars that are very important to our economy,” Singer said. “But more importantly, they have to feel safe.”
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This story was originally published by NJ Spotlight News through the NJ News Commons.
