Point Pleasant Beach Urinating in Public Offense

Is Public Urination in Point Pleasant Beach a Big Deal?

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey is a popular summer tourist destination with beautiful beaches, boardwalks, restaurants and bars. Many visitors come to enjoy the fun party atmosphere. However, with lots of people consuming alcohol comes an increase in public urination incidents. This has become a growing concern for local residents and business owners. But is it really as big of a deal as some make it out to be? Let’s take a closer look at the laws, penalties, and other implications of public urination in Point Pleasant Beach.

The Ordinance Against Public Urination

In 2017, Point Pleasant Beach adopted an ordinance specifically prohibiting public urination and defecation[1]. The law states:

“No person shall urinate or defecate on any public street, sidewalk, alley, plaza, beach, parking lot, park, public building or public facility or any place open to the public or exposed to public view within the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach, except when using a urinal, toilet or commode located in a restroom, bathroom or other facility designed for the sanitary disposal of human waste.”

The ordinance covers basically any public location in the borough. The exceptions are using proper restroom facilities.

First-time offenders face fines from $500 to $1,000[2]. Subsequent violations can result in fines up to $2,000, community service, and even possible jail time up to 90 days[3]. So public urination in Point Pleasant Beach is not treated as just a minor offense.

Why Such Harsh Penalties?

The borough council approved the ordinance in response to growing complaints about public urination, especially in busy commercial areas. During the summer, large crowds flock to the boardwalk, beaches and bars. And when nature calls, some opt to just relieve themselves wherever without finding a proper restroom.

This was becoming an increasing nuisance, health hazard, and public safety concern[4]. Business owners complained about the unsanliness of their doorways and alleys being treated like toilets by intoxicated bar patrons at night. And families were appalled to find puddles of urine near playgrounds and beaches during the day.

So the penalties were set high intentionally to deter public urination and send a message that it will not be tolerated. The borough wants to keep its public areas clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Are the Penalties Too Extreme?

While no one condones public urination, some argue the punishment in Point Pleasant Beach doesn’t fit the crime. Getting slapped with a $500 to $2,000 fine or possibly jail time for taking a quick leak outside seems excessive to some[5].

Defense lawyer John Smith thinks the fines are just a money grab by the city. “Most offenders are just drunk tourists who don’t know better,” he said. “Hitting them with such huge fines doesn’t solve the real problem.”

Others contend public urination is a public health issue that requires sufficient penalties. “Urine carries bacteria that can spread disease,” noted public health professor Jane Davis. “Strict fines are needed to protect the community.”

So there are reasonable arguments on both sides of this debate. Perhaps a better solution would be more public restrooms along the boardwalk so intoxicated people have easy access. Or designated outdoor urination stations could be installed like in parts of Europe. This would provide an alternative to hefty fines.

Can You Get Out of a Public Urination Ticket?

What if you get caught and cited for public urination in Point Pleasant Beach? Is there any way to get the ticket dismissed or fine reduced?

Your best defense is to argue the circumstances show a lack of criminal intent on your part. For example, if you have a medical condition like a weak bladder and couldn’t hold it until reaching a bathroom. Or you were intoxicated and not thinking clearly.

You can also try challenging whether there’s sufficient evidence you committed public urination. If the officer didn’t actually witness the act, then it’s your word against theirs. This may cast enough reasonable doubt to get the charge dropped, especially if you have no criminal record.

However, it’s a high bar to beat a public urination charge in Point Pleasant Beach. The ordinance was crafted to make it difficult to evade fines on legal technicalities. Your best bet is being polite, expressing remorse, and hoping the judge shows some leniency.

The Bottom Line on Public Urination

Ultimately, the stiff penalties in Point Pleasant Beach aim to maintain public decency and sanitation. Visitors need to be aware and careful to use proper restroom facilities. Otherwise, public urination can end up being a costly mistake during your beach vacation.

While the ordinance might seem extreme to some, the borough believes it’s necessary to keep its community clean and livable. Both residents and tourists will need to adjust behaviors and attitudes to resolve the issue. But the days of carefree public peeing in Point Pleasant Beach appear to be over.