# New Jersey beach access fee debates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-beach-access-fee-debates > Updated: 2026-09-22T21:53:45.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. The Upper Township Committee has unanimously approved an ordinance to end over 100 years of free beach access in Strathmere. Starting in the summer of 2027, visitors will be required to purchase seasonal, weekly, or daily beach tags. Officials cited rising costs, including over $513,000 spent on beach-related services in 2026 and a $2.1 million municipal bond for beach replenishment, as the primary reasons for the change. Revenue from the tags is legally mandated to be used for beach maintenance, operations, and replenishment. Following the summer season, the implementation of such policies has sparked a broader debate along the New Jersey Shore regarding the potential elimination of beach badges. Discussions have centered on whether beaches should be free for all visitors or provide free year-round access for local residents. However, concerns persist regarding how municipalities would fund essential maintenance and cleaning without badge revenue, as alternatives like tax increases pose significant political and economic challenges. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: New Jersey beach badge policies face debate Discussions are rising regarding whether New Jersey Shore towns should eliminate beach badges or provide free access to local residents to offset seasonal costs. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-beach-badge-policies-face-debate ### 2026-08-26: Strathmere to implement beach tags, ending free access in 2027 Upper Township has approved beach tags for Strathmere, NJ, starting in 2027, ending over a century of free beach access to fund maintenance and rising operational costs. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/strathmere-beach-access-to-require-paid-badges-following-township-vote --- Cite as: New Jersey beach access fee debates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-beach-access-fee-debates