LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — On Tuesday, May 23rd, the Lynchburg City Council passed a city-wide curfew for all individuals under the age of 18.
Effective Friday, May 26, it will be illegal if a minor is in a public place from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m., unless they are:
- accompanied by a parent;
- involved in an emergency;
- engaged in an employment activity such as going to or returning from work;
- on the sidewalk directly abutting their residence with a parent inside;
- on an errand at the direction of a parent with permission in writing;
- involved in interstate travel through, beginning or terminating in the City;
- or exercising First Amendment rights, such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly.
An individual inside a vehicle or inside an establishment is considered to be a public place and violation of the curfew may be punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor.
The ordinance notes that it is also unlawful for a minor’s parent to knowingly permit, allow, or encourage minors to violate the curfew orders.
“The goal of the curfew is to assist community youth who might be at risk of becoming a victim or perpetrator of crime,” said Police Chief Ryan Zuidema. “Our goal is to ensure public safety for all of our residents through cooperative community partnerships and by reducing the opportunity for violent crime after hours without increasing unnecessary interactions with the youth of our community.”
The city-wide curfew will last until Friday, December 1, 2023.
