After holiday weekend saw 8 drunk teens hospitalized, Jersey Shore towns enact new rules

Ocean City swiftly and unanimously passed two ordinances Thursday aimed at controlling large gatherings of teens during the busy summer season — a decision that was made in response to a hectic Memorial Day weekend.

Council members held a special meeting at 1 p.m. on Thursday to take a final vote on one ordinance that moved up the city-wide curfew for minors and another that banned backpacks on the boardwalk and beach.

Minors are now prohibited from being on the city’s beaches, streets and boardwalk after 11 p.m. during the summer season unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.