For many years, local clubs and restaurants along the renowned Jersey Shore have organized teen nights, providing underage individuals with an opportunity to socialize and dance without the presence of alcohol or oversight from patrons over the age of 21.
In the New Jersey town of Beach Haven, these events have become problematic. Prior to the summer season, the town council voted 3-2 to prohibit teen nights, citing concerns from police that rowdy teens might disturb the community vibe of this small, family-oriented resort town. Although the events themselves do not serve alcohol, some attendees engage in drinking or smoking marijuana before arriving, local police chief James Markoski informed the council.
“I’m not opposed to teen night. It has its place. But right now, it’s out of hand,” Markoski stated.
Michael Battista, the former mayor of Beach Haven and owner of the Marlin Bar & Restaurant, wishes the city would leave him alone. A prominent supporter of the teen scene, Battista filed a lawsuit against the city in June, claiming that the ban discriminates against underage patrons and infringes upon his constitutional rights to free speech.
He also critiques the town he once led. The banned events have simply been renamed; they are now referred to as soda nights, which claim to be open to all ages, though they are predominantly attended by teens and occasionally a parent.
He now holds these events twice a week, typically on nights when the Marlin is less crowded. A $30 cover fee is charged, and he hires a DJ.
“They’re learning how to be in a club,” says Erin Constantine, known as DJ Const, who manages the music selection. Patrons frequently request “throwback songs,” which, on these nights, refer to pop hits from the early 2010s.
This disagreement coincides with a number of towns along the Jersey Shore that have implemented curfews for teenagers in response to complaints from business owners and residents about unruly behavior among teens. Many believe that the isolation caused by the pandemic has led teens to be more eager to gather and vent their frustrations.
According to Beach Haven officials, they are not restricting teen enjoyment like the townsfolk who banned dancing in the film “Footloose.” Instead, they are responding to public concerns regarding fights, public urination, and shoplifting by teens.
The owner of the Marlin recognizes that disruptive behavior from teenagers has become a significant issue for the town; however, he argues that his events provide a monitored environment that keeps young people out of trouble rather than wandering aimlessly through the streets.
“These kids have nothing to do,” Battista remarks. “My grandmother used to say, ‘Idle time is the devil’s time.’”
He also suspects that the teen night ban is motivated by personal grievances, claiming that one council member voted for it after Battista stopped allowing him to park his boat for free on his property and because he previously opposed a proposal for a skate park. Another member, according to Battista, was angry with him for not supporting his run for mayor. Furthermore, a third council member had previously defeated Battista in a candidacy for a seat on the council.
“It’s a political witch hunt,” claims Battista.
Beach Haven’s mayor and a town attorney declined to provide comments for this article, citing ongoing legal matters. Council members did not respond to requests for commentary.
In court filings, the city asserts that New Jersey’s anti-discrimination law does not prohibit age restrictions. Beach Haven informed a judge that its approach is akin to age-related restrictions on R-rated films.
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More about Jersey Shore
Beach Haven, covering just 1.5 square kilometers, is a sought-after destination that takes pride in being a place where children and their parents can swim, shop, and enjoy an amusement park.
“Once the sun goes down, everything changes,” says Lisa Lane.
Lane’s home overlooks a bay and is close to a shopping area and a park that young individuals frequent at night. She reports that some teens become inebriated, party, and later pass out nearby.
Nevertheless, Lane supports teen nights, asserting that the events help decrease the presence of crowds near her home, as some teens opt to attend the Marlin.
“I don’t believe the issue lies with the teen night itself. It’s the circumstances that lead to the teen night,” she remarked.
Beach Haven prides itself on being a family-friendly summer destination that offers swimming, shopping, and an amusement park. Photo: Melanie Burford/Prime for The Washington Post/Getty
Others remain uncertain. Photos circulated throughout the town of an event at the Marlin. “Honestly,” commented one resident, “it looked like a strip club.”
Several teenagers have voiced their opinions, joining a Beach Haven council meeting via Zoom this month to advocate for their right to party.
“The Marlin provides a space where we can connect face-to-face, just like people did before social media and phones,” expressed one teenager.
However, some teens took the opportunity to play pranks.
“I would like to ask that if you’re not going to take this seriously, please hold your comments,” said one council member to a teenager who began laughing after initially speaking in a serious manner.
Last year, the Beach Haven council established a 10 p.m. curfew for juveniles to mitigate their antics. However, it hasn’t solved the problem. Markoski, the police chief, noted that teens are not deterred by the written warnings his officers issue, which are their primary tool for addressing minor offences.
Battista mentioned that he has tried to meet police requests, such as hiring additional security and ensuring that teens do not occupy the sidewalks while waiting to enter. He also stated that his bouncers deny entrance to teens who appear intoxicated. During a City Hall hearing, Markoski criticized Marlin security for lacking appropriate training to manage crowds.
Meanwhile, the teen gatherings at the Marlin continue.
“It’s not a Taylor Swift concert, but it’s the best thing on Long Beach Island,” Battista remarked.
Teen Nights at Jersey Shore: A Controversial Celebration of Youth
For decades, local clubs and restaurants near the famous Jersey Shore have hosted teen nights that offer underage attendees a chance to party and dance without alcohol or the prying eyes of patrons over the age of 21. These events have become a staple of summer fun for teens, but recent developments in the town of Beach Haven have thrown this beloved tradition into turmoil.
The Ban on Teen Nights in Beach Haven
Before the summer rush, the Beach Haven council made a sweeping decision, voting 3-2 to ban teen nights. Citing concerns from local police about rowdy behavior disrupting the otherwise quiet, family-friendly atmosphere, officials expressed fears that even alcohol-free events could lead to problematic situations. Police Chief James Markoski articulated the concern, stating, “I’m not against teen night. It has its place. But it’s out of control now.”
Local Business Owners Fight Back
Michael Battista, the former mayor of Beach Haven and owner of the popular Marlin Bar & Restaurant, has emerged as a leading voice against this ban. Battista alleges that the ban discriminates against teens and violates his constitutional right to free speech. In response, he has transformed the teen nights into alternative “soda nights,” allowing underage patrons to gather without violating the ban. These events are still held twice a week, now welcoming all ages while primarily attracting a teen crowd.
Though the soda nights may be a workaround, Battista charges a $30 cover fee and employs a DJ, further emphasizing the sense of nightclub experience young people crave. “They’re learning how to be in a club,” remarks DJ Const, who plays a variety of throwback music popular among the attendees. With teen socialization in mind, these gatherings serve as a supervised environment that Battista insists reduces unruly behavior by keeping kids off the streets.
Public Safety Concerns and Alternative Activities
The council members are not the only ones sounding alarm bells about teen behavior in Beach Haven. Increased instances of fights, public urination, and shoplifting incidents involving teens have added to the sentiment that restrictions are necessary. Some residents, however, support the teen nights as they provide an area for kids to congregate, possibly reducing disruptive behavior in other parts of the town.
Community Perspectives
Lisa Lane, a local resident, highlights her perspective as she recounts the challenges arising from the teenage crowds. “Once the sun goes down, everything changes,” Lane stated, referring to increased disturbances near her home. Despite this, she claims that teen nights draw groups away from residential areas and into a controlled environment at the Marlin.
Contrary to the concerns of the council, Lane believes that the underlying issues of teenage misbehavior stem from larger societal factors rather than the events themselves. “It’s what leads to the teen night that’s the issue,” she concluded.
Political Underpinnings and Community Impact
Battista believes the ban is influenced by deeper political rivalries and personal grievances rather than a genuine concern for public safety. Notably, he points out that some council members have ulterior motives related to disputes over property use and political support. “It’s a political witch hunt,” he asserts, showcasing the tensions woven into the fabric of local governance.
The city’s arguments assert that New Jersey’s anti-discrimination laws permit age restrictions akin to the regulation of age-restricted films. They claim that it is their duty to prioritize the town’s family-friendly image amidst the rising chaos associated with unsupervised youth gatherings.
Teen Voices and Reactions
Several teenagers passionately voiced their support for the Marlin’s events, participating in council meetings via Zoom to express why such gatherings matter. One teenager articulated: “Marlin offers a space where we can connect one-on-one, face-to-face, just like people did before social media and phones.” Although some youths used the platform for pranks, the underlying sentiment highlighted the vital role of community spaces for young people.
Curfews and Their Role in the Discussion
As discussions of teen behavior unfold, the Beach Haven council has enacted a 10 PM curfew to curb nighttime mischief among young people. However, police Chief Markoski notes that the curfews have not drastically changed teen conduct. Warnings issued for minor infractions have little effect, suggesting that the roots of the issues may be more complex than simple enforcement can manage.
Solutions and Best Practices
As conflicts persist between community leaders and business owners in Beach Haven, several potential solutions could foster a healthier relationship between teens and the town:
- Engagement with Teens: Establish dialogues between council members and teen representatives to discuss concerns and foster understanding.
- Increased Supervision: Collaborate with local businesses to provide greater oversight during teen events and ensure safety protocols are strictly followed.
- Community Events: Develop more organized activities that cater to teenagers, offering them safe alternatives to unsanctioned gatherings.
- Involvement of Parents: Encourage parental involvement in events, making them community-oriented rather than just an escape for youths.
Continued Discussions
The ongoing challenge of balancing public safety with the cultural staples of youth entertainment reflects broader societal issues related to today’s teenagers. While events like those at the Marlin have their merits, tensions underline the necessity for solutions rooted in dialogue, safety, and community wellness.
Final Thoughts
The future of teen nights at the Jersey Shore hangs in the balance as town officials, business owners like Battista, and local youth navigate this controversial landscape. As summer approaches, the need for community-centric discussions around safety, freedom, and youthful engagement has never been more pressing.