Raleigh City Council considers curfew for minors under 18

The Raleigh City Council is considering a new ordinance to establish a curfew for minors under the age of 18. The proposal follows recent shootings involving young adults and minors during the July 4th weekend. If passed, the curfew would prohibit unmarried, non-emancipated minors who are not in the U.S. Armed Forces from remaining in public places or establishments between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Several exceptions are outlined in the draft ordinance. Minors would be exempt if they are accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an authorized adult aged 21 or older. Other exceptions include traveling directly to or from work, responding to an emergency, or attending supervised school, religious, recreational, civic, or governmental activities.

The ordinance also protects First Amendment activities, such as protests, and includes exemptions for college students and those attending private events. City attorney Karen McDonald suggested that further exceptions might be needed for public events like concerts, sporting events, or the State Fair that may conclude late at night. Law enforcement would be required to verify a minor's age and reason for being in public before taking action.