Gulf Shores' beaches will be alcohol free during the spring break season from Feb. 28 through April 18, 2022.
The spring break alcohol ban is not new. On March 18, 2016, the Gulf Shores City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to prohibit the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the beach. The ban stretched south of the protected sand dunes within the Gulf Shores city limits from Gulf State Park on the east to near Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge on the west.
The ordinance was the city's solution to issues the Gulf Shores Police Department encountered during the early days of the 2016 spring break season. According to police reports, large groups of spring breakers were observed binge drinking, using illegal drugs and creating a dangerous atmosphere for themselves and other visitors.
Gulf Shores Police Chief Ed Delmore said dramatic improvements occurred immediately after the passing of the ordinance banning alcohol from the beach during spring break.
Each year, the city council approves a resolution establishing the dates for the spring break alcohol ban in coordination with the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism Board as spring break dates change each year. The ban for the 2022 season begins Feb. 28 and runs through April 18.
The ban does not appear to impact tourism dollars as the city has seen a slight uptick in tax revenues during the respective period since 2017.
Violators are subject to fines of up to $500 and six months in jail.