City reinstates curfew on minors

LISA HOBBS - News Editor

McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on second read an ordinance to reestablish what was a long-standing nighttime curfew placed on minors.

“There was a curfew, but when we re-did the code, I think it got overlooked. It was missed. This is just reestablishing that back into the codes,” stated Community Development director Sean Garrett, during first consideration.

McMinnville Police Chief Nicole Mosley says the city’s restriction on minors out after dark matches state law.

Curfew restrictions: for 17-year-olds, Sunday-Thursday 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Friday-Saturday 12 midnight to 6 a.m.; for minors 16 years old and under, Sunday-Thursday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Friday-Saturday 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“There are a lot of exceptions,” Mosley added. “School function, work, or with parent. If you’re at your house and standing on the sidewalk, you’re good to go. Kids will be kids, sometimes. Some do run around at night.”

State law also allows an exemption for when a minor is running an emergency errand for a parent.

Voting in favor of the measure were Vice Mayor Steve Harvey and Aldermen Rachel Kirby, Sally Brock, Deitra Dunlap, Keri Morton and Kara Youngblood. Mayor Ryle Chastain was absent.