After months of teen takeovers, shootings and large late-night gatherings, the City of Charlotte has officially started a city-wide curfew.
Starting on Nov. 1st, anyone 17 or younger must be home by 10 pm, seven days a week, unless they qualify for an exception.
The new rule comes after a series of large and often violent and drug-filled youth gatherings across Charlotte this year.
More than 200 teenagers flooded Romare Bearden Park during one summer takeover, resulting in two dozen arrests. Another gathering drew hundreds of teens to University City.
In October, an estimated 300 to 400 young people swarmed Faith City Charlotte in Huntersville around 2 a.m. Church leaders reported gunfire, broken windows and shell casings across the property.
Charlotte leaders approved the new curfew as a 10-month pilot program rather than a permanent change.
Previously, children 12 and younger had a 10 p.m. curfew, while ages 13 through 15 could stay out until 11 p.m. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds were not covered.
Now nearly every minor falls under the same 10 p.m. cutoff.
Exceptions include traveling to or from work, school activities, religious events and emergencies. Minors can also remain outside with a parent or qualifying guardian.
Starting tonight, officers will be citing minors and parents for violations.
The city will track youth-related incidents and enforcement during this 10-month pilot, then decide whether Charlotte’s stricter 10 p.m. curfew should become permanent.
