Chatham beaches are going to be closed at nine p.m., an hour earlier than usual on the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Police will be stationed at parking lots along south-facing beaches and Lighthouse Beach.
The goal is to curtail illegal, unruly parties from spilling onto the beaches.
Authorities note that in recent years there's been an increase in underage drinking, vandalism, fights, illegal fireworks and damage to the beaches on and around the holiday.
(Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)
Photo: Brendan Hoffman / Getty Images News / Getty Images