Can you drink on the beach? Smoke? These are the rules at Seacoast beaches

Cracking open a cold one on the beach sounds great for a hot summer's day - whether alone or with your loved ones. Except unless you own your own beachfront property, the beach in question is likely state or town property, which means it you may have to deal with the thorny issue of public drinking laws.

So will you get arrested for having a drink on the beach in the Seacoast area? Unlikely, but you can be charged a hefty fine.

The rules vary a bit depending on where you are, so here's a helpful summary of the rules regarding drinking and smoking on Seacoast's beaches.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire law states that smoking is prohibited on beaches or portions of those beaches where signs are posted - meaning it's left up to individual towns.

Hampton Beach - Alcohol is not permitted on Hampton Beach. In 2023, State Beach Patrol cited more than 9,000alcohol violations. By May 2024, there had already been 1,200 alcohol violations . Violating these ordinances can result in up to a $50 fine.

Seabrook Beach - State and local ordinance, according to the Seabrook Police Department , states there are no open containers of alcoholic beverages allowed on any public way up to and including the beach. Violations carry a penalty of up to $150 fine .

Beaches in the Town of Rye - The use of alcoholic beverages on the beaches and in or upon any and all parking lots or areas easterly of Ocean Boulevard in the Town of Rye is prohibited, according to the Rye Police Department , violators will be fined up to $50. The beaches include Jenness, Wallis Sands, Cable and Pirate Cove beach.

Great Island Common - Alcohol is not allowed on any beach or the Common, at any time. If persons are found with alcohol, they are subject to a summons and/or arrest.

Maine

Smoking is flat out prohibited on public beaches and park with a penalty fine of up to $50.

Beaches in the town of York - Alcoholic beverage are not allowed on any public beaches in York . These beaches include Harbor, Long Sands and Short Sands Beaches. Violations carry a civil penalty of $100 for the firstoffense, $150 for the second offence, and $250 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Wells - Alcohol is not allowed on beaches in the Town of Wells . Violators may be asked to dump their drinks or leave the beach.

Kennebunk - Alcohol is not allowed at any of the three beaches that make up Kennebunkport beach - Mother's, Middle and Gooch's.

Ogunquit - Alcohol is not allowed at any of the three beaches that make up Ogunquit beach, including Footbridge and Moody beach.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Can you drink on the beach? Smoke? These are the rules at Seacoast beaches