OCEAN CITY, Md. - The summer crowds haven’t yet reached Ocean City, but visitors are already strolling the Boardwalk, shopping for sweatshirts, coffee mugs and souvenirs.
Estella and Glenn Catron, among early-season visitors, say it’s clear the resort town caters to families. “It’s super crowded. You’ve got the amusement parks. It’s all about kids here,” Estella said.
With hundreds of items lining Boardwalk storefronts, some have featured merchandise with profane or explicit language, easily visible to passersby — including children.
That’s now changing.
On Monday, the Ocean City Town Council unanimously approved a new regulation requiring such merchandise to be removed from storefront displays. Under the ordinance, explicit or profane items must now be placed in a section of the store that is not visible from outside. Business owners are also required to post signage alerting shoppers before they enter areas where the items are sold.
According to the Ocean City agenda, a first violation would result in a $500 fine. A second violation would lead to a $1,000 fine. A third violation could result in the suspension or revocation of the business owner's license.
Wendy Brate, who enjoys spending time on the Boardwalk, supports the new policy. “I can see why some folks wouldn’t want their youngsters to be reading that type of stuff and asking silly questions to their dad as they’re walking down the Boardwalk,” she said.
Town officials said the goal of the regulation is to protect minors from inappropriate content while preserving the family-friendly atmosphere that Ocean City is known for.