Ocean City Tests Soft Approach to Beach Canopies | Annapolis News

Annapolis News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 20, 2026 · 1m

Ocean City is testing a new, friendly approach to beach canopy rules—no tickets, just conversations and warnings—to keep the sand safe and the vibe sunny. After complaints about oversized canopies blocking lifeguards and emergency access, the town chose education over enforcement, knowing happy tourists = a thriving economy. So far, thousands of chats, zero canopy tickets (one citation was for something else!), and glowing praise from City Council. It’s a smart, people-first experiment that could reshape how coastal towns handle beach gear—and it’s already working. Listen in comfort:Get a…