Minor inconvenience
McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen are considering 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.
Vice Mayor Steve Harvey replied, “So, basically, we’ve always had it. We just mistakenly left it off?”
“That’s correct,” said City Administrator Nolan Ming.
Alderman Rachel Kirby questioned if a need existed to make any changes now that the code is up for re-consideration.
“We adopted the state code,” replied Ming.
In Tennessee, the Child Curfew Act of 1995 restricts minors from being in public without an adult. While cities and counties can adopt stricter local ordinances, local law is invalid if it undermines the intend behind a state law.
“Are we having an issue with rowdy minors,” said Mayor Ryle Chastain, whose question brought forth laughter from those in attendance.
Police Chief Nicole Mosley replied, “We don’t, typically, because there was a curfew. That helps out. Past certain times, there really is no reason to be out running around in the middle of the night.”
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,” said Mosley. “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.
Officials passed the ordinance on first reading. Voting in favor of the measure were Chastain, Harvey, Kirby, and Aldermen Sally Brock, Deitra Dunlap, Keri Morton and Kara Youngblood.
