City’s New Curfew Sparks Applause—and Some Resistance

In what officials are calling a major step toward restoring peace and order, the City Council voted 6-1 this week to impose a new curfew for minors under the age of 18. The ordinance, which takes effect next Monday, prohibits teens from being in public spaces after 9:00 PM on school nights and 10:00 PM on weekends, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Mayor Lydia Barnes praised the decision as 'bold and overdue.' She noted that recent months have seen a sharp rise in 'teen-centered disturbances,' citing loitering, loud music in parks, and a few isolated instances of vandalism. 'This isn’t about punishment—it’s about prevention,' she said during a press briefing. 'Responsible teens won’t mind a policy that protects the community’s peace.'

Supporters of the measure include several local business owners who claim the late-evening crowds have made customers feel unsafe. 'It’s not about blaming kids—it’s about maintaining order,' said Peter Groves, who owns a downtown café. 'We’re not trying to be harsh. We’re trying to protect the atmosphere of the city.'

Some parents have applauded the move as well. 'I’m glad the city is stepping in,' said Tanisha Rudd, a mother of three. 'I work late shifts, and knowing my teenagers have a legal reason to be home gives me peace of mind.'

The lone dissenting vote on the council came from Elise Chang, who expressed concern about enforcement fairness. 'We need to make sure this doesn’t disproportionately target certain neighborhoods or create unnecessary interactions between teens and law enforcement,' she said. The Council did not comment on her concerns, nor were any teen voices included in the final hearing.

While the ordinance has generated strong support from officials and select members of the public, youth advocates have raised questions online about autonomy and criminalization. So far, city leaders have dismissed the criticism as a 'vocal minority.'