Asbury Park is working to shut down a possible pop-up party before it happens.
A week after a party in nearby Long Branch attracted a rowdy crowd of thousands, Asbury Park police say they are looking into a possible beachfront bash for Sunday in their city that is being advertised on social media.
“The Asbury Park Police Department as well as other agencies are currently investigating these posts in an attempt to determine the credibility of the details,” the department said in a statement on social media. “The Asbury Park Police Department is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of our our community and its visitors.”
Police added that there will be “zero tolerance for any illegal acts and lewd behavior in reference to this pop-up party or any other future events.”
Last Saturday, thousands of people descended on Long Branch, specifically around the centrally located hub of Pier Village, after a flyer on social media advertised a pop-up party. Most partiers took the train to the Shore town, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
A public safety emergency was declared “as a result of multiple fights breaking out throughout parts of the city involving the partygoers,” according to the prosecutor’s office. A 9 pm curfew was put in place.
A handful of arrests were made stemming from fights, the office said.
Following the party, Long Branch Mayor John Pallone told NJ Advance Media that the city planned to look into legal action against social media sites that allowed people to promote similar events in Long Branch.
“These gatherings start as social media posts which entice young people to come to the beach area and attract most visitors to come here by train,” Pallone said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. “These flyers promote drinking and smoking in public areas, which is illegal.”