I visited Avalon with friends recently.

Avalon - I visited Avalon with friends recently. I wanted to take a walk on the beach, but was stopped by a beach tag checker. Even though I had no beach chair, towel, etc., I was not allowed to walk on the water's edge unless I paid. I understand beach fees are to pay for beach maintenance and lifeguards, but stopping an old lady from taking a walk on the beach seems wrong. Is it legal?