CURFEW ORDINANCE FOR MINORS

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to promote the safety and welfare of minors, reduce juvenile crime and victimization, encourage parental responsibility, and preserve the peace and security of the Town of Paleto Bay during nighttime hours.

This ordinance is intended to protect young persons while recognizing legitimate educational, employment, recreational, and family activities.

Section 2. Definitions 

Minor means any person under eighteen (18) years of age.

Parent means a natural parent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, or other person having legal custody or responsibility for a minor.

Public Place means any street, sidewalk, alley, park, beach, parking lot, public building, business open to the public, or other area generally accessible to the public.

Emergency means an unforeseen combination of circumstances requiring immediate action to protect life, health, or property.

Section 3. Curfew Hours 

Unless otherwise exempted by this ordinance, it shall be unlawful for a minor to remain in or upon any public place or to loiter in any business open to the public during the following hours:

• Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 PM until 5:00 AM

• Friday and Saturday: 12:00 Midnight until 5:00 AM

The curfew applies year-round unless otherwise modified by the Town Council.

Section 4. Parental Responsibility 

No parent or legal guardian shall knowingly permit or allow a minor under their care to violate the provisions of this ordinance.

Reasonable efforts by a parent to supervise or retrieve a minor shall be considered in determining enforcement actions.

Section 5. Exemptions 

The provisions of this ordinance shall not apply to a minor who is:

1. Accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult authorized by the parent.

2. Traveling directly to or from lawful employment.

3. Traveling directly to or from a school activity, religious function, civic event, or organized recreational activity.

4. Engaged in an emergency or seeking emergency assistance.

5. Exercising rights protected by the Constitution or other applicable law, provided the activity is conducted peacefully and lawfully.

6. On the sidewalk or property immediately adjacent to the minor's own residence or that of an immediate family member.

7. Returning home by the most direct and reasonable route after an authorized activity.

8. Participating in a Town-approved event operating beyond curfew hours.

9. Emancipated by court order or otherwise recognized as legally independent.

Section 6. Businesses 

No owner or operator of a business shall knowingly permit a minor to remain on the premises during curfew hours in violation of this ordinance unless an exemption applies.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit minors who are lawfully employed by the business from performing their duties.

Section 7. Emergency Authority 

Nothing in this ordinance limits the authority of law enforcement officers to take protective custody of a minor when necessary to preserve the minor's safety or the safety of others.