Charleston’s newly enforced curfew on King Street has been met with strong community support since its implementation on June 27. The curfew, which restricts certain activities in the Central Business District during late hours, has already shown positive results, according to the Charleston Police Department.
First Night of Curfew Enforcement
On the first night of enforcement, Police Chief Walker was present on King Street and reported a positive atmosphere in the area. He expressed gratitude towards the community, particularly parents and guardians, for adhering to the new ordinance. Chief Walker described the overall response as overwhelmingly supportive, highlighting the cooperation from local residents and business owners.
Incident on June 29
However, the police did report one incident during the first weekend of the curfew. At approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 29, officers found a 16-year-old inside a parked vehicle in the parking garage at 63 Mary Street. The juvenile was smoking marijuana and was subsequently charged with violating the curfew and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of juveniles traveling into the Central Business District from surrounding areas. The police department emphasized the need for continued awareness and collaboration across the Tri-County region to address this issue.
Details of the Curfew
The curfew mandates that individuals under the age of 18 must remain off the streets from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, from June through August. During the non-summer months, the curfew will only be enforced on Thursdays through Sundays. The areas affected by the curfew include King Street, Market Street, and East Bay Street—areas known for high foot traffic, especially during late-night hours.
Community Response and Future Enforcement
Charleston Police plan to continue enforcing the curfew to ensure public safety and maintain a peaceful environment in the Central Business District. The ordinance aims to curb issues such as underage gatherings and street-related crimes, particularly during the busy summer months. With the continued support from the community, the Charleston Police Department is optimistic about the success of this initiative.
