UPDATED: Rehoboth Beach Commissioners Approve Juvenile Curfew

Rehoboth Commissioners have voted to approve an ordinance that adds a curfew for minors to the City Code. Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Keith Banks told the Commissioners that the resort has seen a 110% increase in juvenile charges over the previous three years. The curfew, which will go into effect immediately, is for juveniles under the age of 18 who are out between the hours of 11 and 5am. There are exceptions – for juveniles who are returning home from work – or are with a parent or guardian. Juveniles who are found in violation and cited would be cited with a civil citation for violating the curfew.  Commissioners voted 5 to 2 to approve the juvenile curfew.  Similar curfews are already on the books in neighboring resort communities. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE CURFEW ORDINANCE

Additional information from the City of Rehoboth Beach:

During those hours, juveniles are prohibited, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, from being in public places or on the premises of privately owned businesses within the City of Rehoboth Beach.

Commissioners’ consideration of such a curfew comes on the heels of fighting and littering incidents this spring that involved juveniles, but more significantly following a trend that has seen complaints to the Rehoboth Police Department related to juvenile behaviors increase by 110% over the past three years.

“A youth curfew isn’t going to address all situations of concern,” notes Police Chief Keith Banks, “but it does offer another important tool that will help officers ensure the safety of our businesses, residents, and visitors. Implementing a youth curfew is something that we’ve thought about over the past couple of years and, in light of trends we’re seeing, now seems the appropriate time to consider adopting one.”

Several exceptions to the curfew are outlined in the new ordinance, including for minors who are accompanied by their parents or guardians and youth who are involved in interstate travel, employment activities, or an emergency.

Any minor or parent of the minor may be subject to a $100 fine plus court costs for a first offense and up to $300 for subsequent violations. The City of Rehoboth Beach Alderman’s Court will have jurisdiction over all proceedings related to the curfew.