Alcohol Ban Considered for 2 Amagansett Beaches

The East Hampton Town Board and The Town Trustees are at odd over a proposed ban on alcohol at two Amagansett beaches.

According to Newsday, the East Hampton Town Board, in response to concerns from local residents, has proposed banning alcohol on Indian Wells and Atlantic Beaches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer months in a 1500 foot radius surrounding the lifeguard’s chair.

Indian Wells beach, which was called “frat beach” by one resident in an article in the Sag Harbor Express is the primary problem, but residents are concerned that if alcohol is banned solely at Indian Wells the party will just move a bit farther down the road and create havoc at neighboring Atlantic Beach.

The Trustees’ power was vested in them by King James II in 1686 and they bear the responsibility for the management and preservation of the beaches throughout East Hampton. According to The East Hampton Star seven of the nine Trustees is opposed to the ban.

The Trustees have proposed a compromise: a ban on alcohol within a 500 foot radius of the parking lot which would be in effect only on weekends.

The East Hampton Town Chief of Police Michael Sarlo said that in recent years the beach has been named in the media as place to party and this has resulted in crowds of people arriving at the beach on weekends with coolers, kegs and loud music. Approximately 60 summons are now issued each year for open containers of alcohol in the parking lot and public urination, littering, failure to adhere to posted regulations or not listening to the lifeguard.

The Town Board and the Town Trustees will continue their deliberations on how to best resolve the problems over the coming weeks in the hopes of reaching a compromise ruling that addresses the concerns of both groups.