Toms river police dept. - file photo — Toms River Police Dept. - File Photo

TOMS RIVER, NJ – A pandemic-era curfew to stop large groups of teenagers from congregating on the barrier island community of Ortley Beach has been renewed by Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill today.

Mayor Mo Hill and Police Chief Mitch Little, have announced the reinstatement of a curfew in the barrier island communities of North Beach and Ortley Beach for the upcoming summer season of 2023.

The curfew, targeted at juveniles aged 17 and below, will restrict unaccompanied teenagers from being on the streets of the beachfront areas between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The curfew will be in effect from Friday, May 26, until Tuesday, September 5.

According to Hill’s public relations department, the decision to reinstate the curfew stems from incidents that occurred during previous summer seasons, which the authorities are keen to avoid this year.

Mayor Hill highlighted that the curfew is aimed at preventing the disturbance of peace caused by “pop-up parties” and large gatherings of young people in Ortley Beach.

The curfew will be strictly enforced in North Beach, covering the Township’s area north of its border with the Borough of Lavallette, as well as in Ortley Beach. However, certain exceptions will apply, including juveniles accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult caretaker. Additionally, individuals running errands under adult supervision, commuting to and from their jobs, and engaging in activities protected by the First Amendment will also be exempt from the curfew.

Those found violating the curfew will be given two warnings before being detained. At that point, their parent, guardian, or adult caretaker will be contacted to take appropriate action.

The law will also target business owners who attract crowds of teens to their businesses.

It is worth noting that adults, including business owners, who encourage or allow juveniles to breach the curfew will face summonses and fines in accordance with N.J.S.A. App. A:9-49 and N.J.S.A. App. A:9-50.

“The decision to reinstate the curfew reflects the township’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring a pleasant experience for residents and visitors in the beachfront communities of Toms River,” Hill said in a statement today.

The curfew which was launched during the 2020 pandemic was renewed in 2021 and again in 2022.

“The curfews worked well in 2020 and 2021,” Hill said in an interview with the Asbury Park Press.

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