Charleston, S.C. – City officials have approved a new curfew for juveniles aged 17 and under, as part of efforts to reduce youth-related crime in Charleston’s Central Business District, especially King Street. The curfew was discussed and passed by the City of Charleston Public Safety Committee during a recent meeting.
What the Juvenile Curfew Includes
Under the new rule, minors aged 17 and below will not be allowed in public areas between:
- 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., from Thursday through Sunday
- Every night during summer months, starting in June
The rule is targeted at large groups of teens seen causing disturbances and crimes in the city’s downtown areas, especially at night.
Why the City Is Taking Action
Mayor William Cogswell explained that the problem has grown more serious:
“These are not kids just going home from work or school,” Cogswell said. “We’re seeing groups of 20, 30, sometimes even 40 teens gathering in parking lots and on street corners.”
He said there have been over 40 incidents recently, including:
- Narcotics possession
- Aggravated assault
- Robberies
- Car thefts
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to the curfew. Minors will be allowed outdoors during curfew hours if they are:
- Going to or coming from work
- Attending a supervised or sponsored event
- Facing a medical or personal emergency
- Exercising First Amendment rights, such as peaceful protests
City Takes a Proactive Approach Before Summer
Officials say the curfew is necessary as school holidays begin and more teens head downtown.
“Summer is really when you see these things spike,” Mayor Cogswell said.
He also added that curfews in nearby areas have pushed more young people into Charleston’s central locations, such as King Street.
What Happens Next
The curfew proposal has been amended to include:
- Expansion of the enforcement zone toward East Bay Street
- Adding June to the enforcement schedule
The next step is for the ordinance to go before Charleston City Council for a full vote in May.
Charleston city leaders are taking serious steps to prevent youth crime, especially with the summer months approaching. With a rise in incidents involving teens downtown, this curfew aims to keep the city safer, both for residents and young people themselves. While it won’t apply to everyone, the rule is meant to control late-night gatherings that have led to violence and illegal activities in the past. If passed by the city council, this curfew could go into effect very soon.
