Ocean City to Vote on Free Beach Tags for All Military Veterans

Ocean City will consider giving free beach tags to all military veterans. City Council on Thursday (April 10) will consider the first reading of an amended ordinance that would eliminate the fees for anybody who has served in the U.S. military. The vote will be part of a public City Council meeting 7 p.m. Thursday at the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Avenue). The proposed amendment reads as follows:

"No fees shall be charged to or collected from persons who have served in any of the Armed Forces of the United States and who were discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable and who either have served at least 90 days in active duty or have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability. ... The Director of Financial Management shall also establish procedures pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs pertaining to veteran eligibility for this beach fee exemption."

The local measure is made possible by a bill Gov. Chris Christie signed in January permitting towns to provide the free or discounted beach tags to veterans. Ocean City already offers free beach tags for active-duty members and their spouses and children. City Council passed that measure in October 2011. Ocean City has charged for access to public beaches since the 1970s. Seasonal beach tags cost $20 (if purchased before June 1) and $25 during the season. All persons age 12 and older must purchase a beach tag to use the beach between June 7 and Sept. 1. Beach tags can be purchased online (with a $5 shipping fee): Order Ocean City NJ Beach Tags.