I was saying this exact thing a few weeks ago when I heard the boardwalk announce no one could have a backpack past 8 pm. As if a backpack itself was a special bag, and not just a bag a young kid from out of town (ie. their family can’t afford a shorehouse) would probably have.

Then I looked around, and saw a bunch of adults - especially parents - wearing and carrying them, unaccosted, post 8 pm. Suddenly it made sense. Backpacks weren’t the goal, but they could certainly kick anyone with a backpack off the boardwalk at any time.