Belmar Proposal Would Ban Large Tents On Oceanfront Beaches

BELMAR — Don't be a beach hog.

That's the message behind the Township Council's recently-proposed resolution that would ban "beach spreading," when beach goers set up large tents and take up too much room on the beach, according to a report in app.com.

"A lot of times they're setting them up right by the water's edge," Mayor Matt Doherty said.

Beach space is at a premium during the summer months, when Belmar's population can jump to 60,000, he said.

Doherty has received complaints from police, Department of Public works, lifeguards and badge checkers that the tents add to overcrowding at the beach and can even block lifeguards' views.

The resolution would ban large tents and canopies from Memorial Day until Labor Day. The ban would not affect small children's tents or beach umbrellas, he said.

Officials plan to discuss the resolution at the September Township Council meeting. If it is approved, it would take effect after Memorial Day, 2018.

Photo: Patch file photo.