Oklahoma City Council is considering lowering the curfew for the Bricktown Entertainment District from 11 p.m. to 9 p.m. for people younger than 18 who are unaccompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.
The proposed curfew would begin at 9 p.m. and end at 6 a.m., seven days a week.
“The proposal is in no way meant to discourage juveniles from enjoying all Bricktown has to offer,” said Assistant City Manager Jason Ferbrache. “Instead, the change in curfew is intended to incentivize unattended teens to return to their families or engage in other youth-oriented activities once their event or outing in Bricktown has concluded.”
The earlier curfew is supported by the Bricktown Association Board.
“It’s important Bricktown continue to grow and thrive, and the proposed curfew will help us retain our spot as OKC’s top entertainment district,” said Bricktown Association Board Chair Chad Huntington. “Ensuring the safety of thousands of visitors every week is our top priority.”
The current curfew in Bricktown is from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next day, seven days a week. It requires police officers to ask the juvenile’s age and reason for being in the area prior to taking enforcement action. It also provides exceptions to enforcement including, but not limited to, when the juvenile is accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, is engaged in an employment activity, is involved in an emergency, or is going to or returning home from an official event. The requirements for police officers to obtain this information remain in the proposed ordinance.
The curfew for minors citywide is from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. Monday – Friday and 1 a.m. – 6 a.m. Saturday - Sunday.
The current and proposed curfew includes Bricktown and Lower Bricktown all the way to the Oklahoma River. Violators are subject to a class “a” offense, which requires a mandatory court appearance in Oklahoma City Municipal Juvenile Court.
The proposed ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing on Feb. 28 and vote on March 14. If it passes with an emergency, it will take effect immediately.
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Media Contact:
Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550
kristy.yager@okc.gov
