GLOUCESTER John McCarthy, Gloucester's interim police chief, says that since the recreational use of marijuana became legal last December, many people think it's OK to smoke it in public including on Gloucester's beaches.

It's not, he says. Neither is drinking alcohol in public places.

So on this extended Fourth of July weekend, city police will be stepping up patrols at Good Harbor, Wingaersheek and other city beaches to ensure that beachgoers abide by the city's ordinances against public drinking and marijuana use, with an eye toward ensuring that a Gloucester beach visit is a good experience for all.

"We had a lot of complaints on a few of the hot days," McCarthy said. "There are a lot of young families at our beaches, and this (marijuana smoking) isn't what we want."

While both uniformed police and some plainclothes officers will be stepping up their presence, that doesn't necessarily mean offenders will be facing a full-fledged crackdown with multiple arrests.

"For the first week or so, my orders are to just try to educate the public," McCarthy said. "If somebody is being rowdy and disruptive, well, then we will arrest them. But right now, we want to be sure that people are aware of what they can and cannot do. It's kind of a soft opening."

Public Works Director Mike Hale, whose department manages and maintains the city beaches, said his office hasn't been flooded with complaints, but he has heard from lifeguards and other beach staffers that beachgoers smoking pot and other issues, such as loud radios, have been concerns. Playing radios excessively loud is also against beach rules.

"Everyone's got to be able to enjoy themselves," Hale said, "and smoking and loud music doesn't fit everyone's idea of a good time at the beach.

"It's not so much the couple sitting quietly and having a drink that's the problem," he said. "It tends to be large groups that can get to be obnoxious and they can be messy when it comes to cleaning up. That's where the problems come in."

McCarthy said he hopes the presence of officers in uniform on the beach will help the situation. He added that, while lifeguards can report issues to police, they should not be expected to carry out police work.

"That's not what they do," he said. "We want them to keep their eyes on the swimmers."

Staff writer Ray Lamont can be reached at 978-675-2705, or via email at rlamont@gloucestertimes.com.

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Police: Smoking pot not allowed on beaches | Local News ... - The Salem News