A strict nighttime policy now restricts anyone under 18 from wandering public areas without adult supervision between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. in Rehoboth Beach. The coastal town’s officials passed this measure last week.
Break the rules once? That’s $100. Do it again and you’ll pay $300. Law enforcement plans to step in when groups start causing disruptions.
“We’re not going to chase down individuals and young people to kick them off. This is more to address problems as they grow, with large groups of minors that might be causing issues,” said Lieutenant Mark Sweet to 47abc.
Not all after-hours activities face restrictions. The policy allows young people to cross state lines, work at their jobs, or handle urgent matters during these times.
Officers have started watching common gathering spots. Their focus stays on areas where late-night activities often occur.
The decision came after talks about nighttime safety in the beach community. Patrols will monitor the streets, wooden walkways, and spots where young crowds tend to gather when darkness falls.
This coastal town isn’t alone in setting such limits. Many seaside destinations across the U.S. have put similar rules in place, aiming to reduce nighttime disturbances in tourist areas.