Long Branch: Don't you dare come to 'pop-up' party promoted for Saturday
LONG BRANCH - The city is doing what it can to shut down a "pop-up" party at the beach that was promoted on social media for this Saturday.
The flyer advertised a "Beach Linkup" and encouraged people to bring their own booze and weed. However, party goers will find a large police presence if they haven't got the message yet that the "linkup" is down.
“The city will not tolerate these unsanctioned pop-up parties,” Mayor John Pallone said in a statement shared to the city's own social media platforms.
Pallone said the city's police along with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office have already identified three of the promoters who originally organized the event. The city’s legal department has issued cease-and-desist letters to the promoters and continues to put anyone who shares and promotes these events on notice that the events have been declared by the court to be illegal. The city will hold any and all organizers and participants civilly and criminally accountable.
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“Our police department, along with county and state agencies, have been extremely successful in finding those who create and share these posts. We will identify and hold responsible anyone who does not follow the law. As mayor, I have authorized our Office of Public Safety and Office of Emergency Management to utilize all resources available to us from state, county, and local partnerships to ensure the safety of our residents,” Pallone continued.
The city has more than once been targeted by the pop-up party crowd, which promote large gatherings without getting a permit for the event.
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In May 2022, over 5,000 people descended on the city unannounced and flyers that circulated on social media advertised a party with free food and music, dance contests and paid fights, and encouraged attendees to bring their own liquor and cannabis.
As the crowd grew, fighting among some party-goers broke out, several arrests were made, and a police car was damaged. However, the city successfully sued the organizers and got a court order declaring the pop-up parties illegal, which allows the city to send cease-and-desist letters to anyone it finds promoting one.
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Public Safety Director William Broughton said residents and visitors should expect a large police presence this weekend and city will be strictly enforcing parking regulations and illegally parked cars will be towed.
“We are closely monitoring the situation for June 8 and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of our community. There will be zero tolerance for any disorderly activity. Period,” Broughton said.
The city will enact a curfew and state of emergency if a situation calls for one. Residents and visitors to the city should expect many law enforcement agencies throughout the city on Saturday. Along the beachfront, all bags and coolers will be checked prior to entering the beach.
“We want our residents and community to know that we have taken every legal and tactical action possible to stop these types of gatherings, and if one should arise this summer, we are prepared to take appropriate action,” Broughton said.
When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Long Branch June 8 'pop-up' party: Police look to shut down gathering
