Columbus City Council Approves Expanded Juvenile Curfew Ordinance
The Columbus City Council has approved a new ordinance expanding juvenile curfew hours as city leaders work to address recent incidents of youth-related violence across Columbus.
The legislation, passed Monday, will take effect once it is signed by Mayor Andrew Ginther. Under the updated rules, children under the age of 12 must be off public streets by 9 p.m., while juveniles ages 13 to 17 will have a 10 p.m. curfew. The curfew remains in effect until 6 a.m.
The ordinance was approved by all council members except Councilmember Chris Wyche, who cast the lone dissenting vote.
Penalties for Curfew Violations
Under the new law, juveniles who violate the curfew will initially receive a warning. However, repeated violations could result in misdemeanor charges. Authorities may also arrange meetings involving the juvenile and their parent or guardian, and eligible youths could be referred to a juvenile diversion program.
The ordinance also places responsibility on parents and guardians. If a child repeatedly violates the curfew, parents may be required to complete educational training, perform at least one hour of community service, and could face fines of up to $50.
Curfew Exceptions
The legislation includes several exceptions. Juveniles will not be considered in violation if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, responding to an emergency, or meet other exemptions outlined in the ordinance.
Response to Recent Teen Violence
City officials say the expanded curfew is part of a broader effort to reduce youth crime and improve public safety following several high-profile incidents involving teenagers.
Among those incidents was a recent “teen takeover” that prompted a church festival in east Columbus near Bexley to end early due to safety concerns.