Gloucester Township Day was planned for Veterans Memorial Park in South Jersey this coming weekend. But because of what happened last year, when hundreds of adolescents took control and caused disorder at the festival, it was postponed after several decades.
The “Public Brawl Law” was signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Monday, June 2, with the intention of retaliating against individuals who plan sizable events that degenerate into mayhem and anyone who causes trouble during them.
Some people in South Jersey want parents of minors to be included in the repercussions. They claim that all they want is to enjoy parties in a safe environment.
“If they’re underage I firmly believe that their parents should be held accountable, because it starts at the home,” Gloucester Township resident Kelli Benigno stated.
Gloucester Township Day is a carnival-style event that serves as a significant source of funding for high school students’ college scholarships.
Several teenagers were arrested by police after conflicts broke out at the carnival in 2024.
This year’s Memorial Day weekend saw even more disturbing scenes at the Jersey Shore, with the closure of Seaside Heights’ boardwalk and the arrest of hundreds of people.
Three stabbings occurred over three days, according to the local investigators.
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The recently signed bill, which was sponsored by Assemblyman Dan Hutchinson of New Jersey, calls for harsher punishments for anyone involved in these chaotic circumstances.
Anyone found planning a flash mob or such gatherings could spend up to a year and a half behind bars.
“Send them somewhere to make them sit down and be more educated about things going on, then that sounds better, but just prison, there’s too many people in prison now,” one man stated.
People claim that this new law will hopefully bring back a sense of security. A new date for Gloucester Township Day has not been announced by the event’s organizers.
