Details of Raleigh youth curfew are revealed
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Raleigh's proposed youth curfew is headed for a City Council vote next month.
Why it matters: If the ordinance passes, teenagers — as well as adults and businesses that help them violate the curfew — could face legal action when unsupervised minors are caught out at night.
Zoom in: As currently written, the curfew would apply from 11pm-5am to those under 18 who are not accompanied by their parent or guardian.
- Exceptions include emergencies, protests, work, school, sporting events and concerts.
How it works: Police could investigate juveniles, as well as adults and establishments that help minors violate the curfew. Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said enforcement would be complaint-based.
- Juveniles would go through the juvenile court system.
- Others could face a misdemeanor charge, with a potential $500 fine. They would not be arrested.
Flashback: City leaders began exploring a curfew after multiple late-night shootings during teen gatherings the weekend of July 4.
What they're saying: City Council member Mitchell Silver said more than a curfew is needed to root out youth violence.
- "We the community, the businesses, parents, nonprofits have to collectively pay attention," Silver said.
The other side: Some residents pushed back on Tuesday, saying young people were being unfairly scapegoated.
- "I work with teenagers. I've asked them where they hang out. Nowhere," Ramiyah Robinson said. "They can't go to the mall. They can't go to the movies. There are curfews already in place in all the areas that when I was a kid, I hung out at."
Between the lines: City Council member Megan Patton expressed hesitation about "social stratification" in the curfew exceptions, pointing out that kids who can afford Carolina Hurricanes tickets qualify, but not those going out for a late-night CookOut shake.
- "This is a curtailing of people's rights to move around their city freely and that should be done with extreme care and caution," Patton said.
What's next: Public comment is being solicited ahead of a potential vote on Sept. 15.