'Out-of-control crowds.' Fourth of July restrictions in place for 3 Dennis beaches
Fourth of July restrictions are planned for three Dennis beaches, according to a statement by Town Administrator Elizabeth Sullivan and Police Chief John Brady.
The restrictions are for Mayflower Beach, Chapin Memorial Beach and Bayview Beach, only on July 4.
The restrictions include no daily parking passes being issued or accepted, a parking ban at the neighborhoods and businesses adjacent to the beach and no alcohol consumption, drug use, overly loud music or otherwise unsafe behavior.
“Dennis is home to some of the best beaches on Cape Cod, including Mayflower Beach. Our goal with these measures is to make sure that beachgoers can enjoy Dennis beaches this July 4th holiday safely without worrying about out-of-control crowds, violence, and other dangerous behavior,” Brady said in a statement.
These restrictions are a result of increasingly large and chaotic crowds, the police said.
Since 2019, there has been a 100% increase in beach-related emergency service calls on the holiday. Last year, that was 459 calls. Dennis police made 13 arrests last year, including assault and underage liquor possession. Crowds also leave behind trash, left for others to clean up.
What are the restrictions planned?
Anyone found drinking alcohol will be issued a citation, receive a $50 fine and have their alcohol confiscated. Vehicles found in violation of the parking ban will be towed.
There will be a checkpoint at the intersection of New Boston Road and Beach Street, so those with proper parking stickers, residents and their visitors can get to the beach. Additional checkpoints will be at parking lot entrances.
The checkpoint is just over a mile from Mayflower Beach, and over two miles from Chapin Memorial Beach.
Dennis Police will bring in additional resources and officers will be out in full numbers, according to the statement.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Dennis Fourth of July beach violence spurs alcohol ban, parking checks