As part of an annual tradition, thousands of recent high school graduates from the Mid-Atlantic will make their way to Delaware’s beaches during the first two weeks of June.
Beginning Monday, the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement along with local and state law enforcement are teaming up for an enforcement campaign aimed at reducing the number of incidents and injuries related to underage drinking.
Robert Kracyla, Deputy Director of Delaware’s Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement says residents and visitors can expect to see an increased police presence in and around Dewey Beach.
“We’re trying to use it as a deterrent effect,” he says. “We want to send a message that the state and local communities will not tolerate underage drinking along with the criminal nuisance that’s associated with it so disorderly conduct or loud party type issues.”
Historically, underage drinking, possession citations and curfew violations are prevalent during senior beach week. Kracyla says the state is also concerned with more serious consequences.
“We understand that kids are going to have a good time and they’ve earned the right to go down and enjoy themselves but we want them to enjoy themselves safely,” he notes. “We’ve had a serious increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities that have occurred in the state of Delaware.”
The “Party Crashers” enforcement detail includes a partnership with the Sussex County Realtors Association who will be distributing the campaign flyer to all rental units within Dewey Beach.
