Another coastal Delaware town is considering a beach ban on tents and canopies.
The Daily Times reports Bethany Beach is mulling a ban in light of the one Rehoboth Beach passed in March.
Earlier this month, the Bethany Beach town council laid out dimensions for umbrellas and tents for small children, but could not decide on completely banning canopies. Some argued for canopy size and location restrictions, while others wanted no canopies at all. The Charter and Ordinance Review Committee noted they would watch to see how Rehoboth's regulations unfold.
Officials hope this ban helps free up beach space and keep beach-goers safe. The next council meeting is set for Oct. 22, where they will work on a survey that will be distributed to town residents and property owners to get their perspectives.
The issue of 'beach spreading' developed this summer after multiple New Jersey shore towns, such as Seaside Heights and Long Beach, made similar restrictions. Mayor Matt Doherty of Belmar said not only do tents overcrowd the beaches, but they can block the lifeguard's view of the water.
