Alcohol Banned on Indian Wells Beach Through September

The East Hampton Town Board and the East Hampton Town Trustees have reached a consensus on banning alcohol from Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett it has been reported in The Sag Harbor Express and 27Online.

It was decided at the July 17 Town Board meeting that beginning August 1, and in effect through September 30, alcohol will not be permitted on Indian Wells Beach during life guard hours on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in a radius of 1,000 feet from the entrance to the beach. The local law has been approved and the bill must now go to Albany to be ratified. East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said it is expected to be approved in time for the August 1 ban to go into effect.

The ban had split the Trustees and the Board members into two camps. The Town Board supported banning alcohol in response to concerns voiced by local residents who had seen the beach go from a family-friendly venue to a raucous keg-fueled party in recent years. The Trustees, who were granted powers under King James in 1686 and retain jurisdiction over the beaches, were cautious about tampering with access to public beaches.

Local residents say the disruptive partying that had become routine in recent years has diminished this year. The ban on alcohol through the remainder of the summer will allow residents, the Trustees and the Board to determine whether or not a permanent ban is practical or necessary going forward.