The official events of Atlantic Beach Bikefest will be ending earlier each night in an effort to help the Grand Strand get control of Memorial Day weekend this year, which spills out into other areas.

Atlantic Beach Town Council members passed first reading of an ordinance Monday agreeing to set the curfew during Bikefest at 2 a.m. this year. The town curfew was 4 a.m. last year.

“We made that decision based on what times bars close in other areas and to help out everyone around us,” police Chief Timothy Taylor said.

Mayor Jake Evans said the town wanted to help other areas of the Grand Strand.

“It’s neighborly,” he said. “It helps out our neighbors if we end things earlier.”