Proposed Uptown Columbus curfew would restrict unsupervised minors after 9 P.M.
A proposed ordinance headed to the Columbus Council would establish a temporary nighttime curfew for unattended minors in the Uptown Columbus entertainment district following hundreds of police incidents and arrests in recent years.
The ordinance would apply to the Uptown District between 8th Street and 14th Street, from 2nd Avenue to Bay Avenue.
Under the proposal, anyone under the age of 18 would be prohibited from remaining in public areas within the district between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another authorized adult.
The ordinance cites concerns from law enforcement, business owners, and community ambassadors regarding large groups of unsupervised juveniles gathering in the area during evening hours.
According to the proposal, the Columbus Police Department documented 434 cases in the district that resulted in 331 arrests over the past several years.
City leaders said many of the incidents reportedly occurred during nighttime hours and involved juveniles who were allegedly dropped off and left unattended in Uptown.
If approved, the ordinance would create two new sections in the Columbus Code addressing curfew enforcement and parental responsibility.
Several exceptions are included in the proposed ordinance. Minors would still be allowed in the district during curfew hours if they are:
Accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult
Traveling to or from lawful employment
Attending school-sponsored, civic, religious, or organized activities
Current Columbus State University students living in Uptown
Participating in First Amendment-protected activities
Staying at a hotel or lodging facility in the district
The ordinance would also make it unlawful for parents or guardians to knowingly allow minors to violate the curfew.
Violations could result in penalties under the Columbus Code of Ordinances.
If adopted, the curfew would take effect 10 days after being signed by the mayor and transmitted to the Clerk of Council.
The ordinance would automatically expire on Sept. 30, 2026, unless city leaders determine there is a continued need for the measure following an evaluation of its effectiveness.
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