A temporary curfew for unsupervised minors in Uptown Columbus begins tonight following approval by the Columbus City Council.
The ordinance applies only to the Uptown district, covering the area from 8th Street to 14th Street between 2nd Avenue and Bay Avenue. Beginning at 9 p.m., anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from remaining in public places within the district unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another adult with lawful authority to supervise them.
The curfew will be in effect nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through September 30, 2026, unless the Columbus City Council votes to extend it.
The ordinance includes several exceptions. Minors may be in the area during curfew hours if they are traveling to or from lawful employment, attending or traveling to or from school-sponsored, civic, religious, or other organized activities, are Columbus State University students living in Uptown, are participating in activities protected under the First Amendment, or are staying at a hotel or lodging facility within the district.
Parents, guardians, or other adults with custody of a child may also face penalties if they knowingly allow a minor to violate the curfew.
City leaders approved the ordinance in response to ongoing concerns involving large groups of unsupervised minors gathering in Uptown during the late evening and overnight hours. According to the ordinance, the Columbus Police Department documented 434 cases resulting in 331 arrests in the district over recent years. Officials say many of those incidents occurred during evening hours and involved large groups of unsupervised juveniles.
The Columbus Police Department says it will continue working with parents, business owners, residents, and community partners to educate the public about the ordinance while ensuring consistent enforcement.
Officials are encouraging parents and guardians to familiarize themselves with the ordinance, understand its requirements, and remain actively involved in knowing where their children are and who they are with during evening hours.
