VIRGINIA BEACH — When word of an impromptu party at the Oceanfront spreads on social media, police have scrambled to control unruly crowds.

In an effort to manage large-scale gatherings, the Virginia Beach Police Department wants authorization to establish special enforcement zones where officers would have broader authority to clear people from an area, impose curfews, issue citations and recover costs from event organizers.

Police would have to give 24 hours notice of intent to enforce the enhanced area and define where it is and when it will take place. Granting police such authority would require an amendment to Virginia code.

Last Tuesday, the City Council approved its wish list of legislation for the 2026 General Assembly that includes the request for “pop-up” event zones.

“Acros

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