South Jersey Town Opposes New Jersey Beach Tag Law Changes

Since the first New Jersey beach tags were issued by Bradley Beach in 1929, the unspoken purpose was to keep "Riff Raff" off the beaches.

Over the decades, Beach Tags have become a major revenue generator for New Jersey Coastal Communities. These Beach Badges have also become a novelty collectors item for Jersey Shore Visitors and Vacationers each year.

But there is new Legislation introduced in Trenton that would create exemptions for certain people from having to buy beach tags for access to the beach. One South Jersey Shore Town has announced formal opposition to any changes to Beach Tag Rules.

Should Certain People Receive Exemptions From Purchasing Beach Tags?

New Jersey Assemblywoman Margie Donlon (D-Monmouth) has proposed a new legislation that would create an exemption for Fishermen and Surfers from paying for Beach Tags. This would be a unilateral rule change that would impact every New Jersey Shore Town.

The new legislation was introduced in response to an incident in August 2024 when a Surfer, who did not have a beach tag, had a confrontation with police. The result of the incident was the surfer being charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice.

This issue originates from the Sand-or-Water question. Some people have contended that people who come to the beach should have to pay for beach badges and anyone who comes to the beach for the water should be exempt.

But the Sea Isle City Council has unanimously passed a resolution in opposition to NJ Assembly Bill A-4816.  According to SIC City Council Members, this legislation would "create a loophole" and would be "virtually impossible" to properly enforce.

Located off Exit 17 on the Garden State Parkway, Sea Isle City was rated one of the top-rated family-friendly South Jersey Beach Towns.  Aside from being a revenue source for the Coastal Community, the Beach Tags are a way for the town to regulate who should and shouldn't be on the beach.

The NJ Assembly Bill A-4816 seems unnecessary and could have a plethora of negative consequences for New Jersey Shore Towns.