Going to Gulf Shores? New Beach Restrictions Announced

(KMDL-FM) If you live in the part of the country we call the "Gulf South," then you are probably familiar with the beaches of the "Redneck Riviera." It's the colloquial nickname given to the stretches of sand that run from the casinos of the Mississippi Gulf Coast through the panhandle of Florida. One of the more popular destinations along that sandy strip of shore is Gulf Shores, Alabama.
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Civic leaders in Gulf Shores met on Monday night to discuss their community's bread and butter industry, tourism. Among the discussions was how to keep the crowds coming without losing control of that crowd or discouraging others from wanting to come for a visit.

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Why Is Gulf Shores So Popular With Louisiana Beachgoers?

Gulf Shores occupies a unique position among beach lovers. It's revered by families as a great place to bring kids. The beaches and waves are usually nice and gentle. There are also a lot of other things to do besides the beach. As a father with kids, I can tell you a well-placed round of mini-golf, a go-kart track, or an air-conditioned movie theater can seem quite attractive when you're sick and tired of brushing the sand off your kids.

But Gulf Shores also caters to the young, the firm, the tan, the party seekers who come for music festivals like last year's Sand in My Boots Fest or in previous years HangOut Fest.  While those events tend to draw large crowds, they also bring with them a bit of social discourse, usually brought on by overindulgence of alcohol.

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Back in 2016, civic leaders in Gulf Shores made a strategic move to protect their image as a family beach destination, but still offer a good time for those who are interested in visiting for Spring Break. The decision back then was to ban alcohol on the public beaches during the spring break season. It was just crazy enough to work, and it did.

Incidents and arrests went down, but the fun stayed; therefore, on Monday night, the Gulf Shores City Council once again voted to renew the city's spring break alcohol ban. This year's version of the ban will run from March 1 through April 28. It covers the entire spring break season. I wish we had something to cover these two fellows.

What Beaches Allow Alcohol During Spring Break in Alabama?

We should let those with a taste for the bubbly know that this restriction only applies to Gulf Shores. It does not affect Orange Beach or unincorporated areas of Baldwin County, Alabama. That means you can have a beverage on the beach at Fort Morgan.

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The council also approved additional funding for additional support from the Baldwin County Sheriff's Department to help police and patrol the ban. And despite civic leaders' best efforts, the ban hasn't been a total success; in fact, alcohol arrests climbed in 2024 to 286, but were down a bit last year, with only 220 people being arrested for alcohol issues.

We just want you to know before you go and to pay attention to the beach warning flags before you climb in the water. And if you're going to one of these beaches, wear some sunscreen, a lot of sunscreen.