Fayetteville, North Carolina, has enacted a citywide curfew for minors to combat a surge in youth-related crime. The move follows nearly 2,000 juvenile incidents and a tragic shooting involving a 12-year-old girl.
Key Facts:
- Fayetteville’s new curfew bars minors under 16 from public spaces between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., with exceptions.
- The curfew follows nearly 1,900 juvenile arrests or crime incidents over 16 months.
- Violations can result in fines up to $500 and misdemeanor charges for responsible adults.
- The curfew was part of a broader safety plan introduced after a 12-year-old girl was shot at a carnival.
- Fayetteville modeled the ordinance after Charlotte’s curfew and is pairing it with expanded youth programs.
The Rest of The Story:
The city of Fayetteville is trying to get ahead of what Mayor Mitch Colvin called a growing public safety issue involving juveniles.
In a 16-month span, nearly 1,900 crimes or arrests involved minors.
As a result, the city enacted a curfew prohibiting anyone under 16 from being in public between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by an adult or involved in approved activities such as work, school events, or religious services.
Currently, the ordinance is in an educational phase, meaning violators are warned. But soon, enforcement will escalate.
Parents and adults responsible for minors could face Class 3 misdemeanors and up to $500 fines if kids are found breaking curfew.
Mayor Colvin cited a heartbreaking case that motivated action: a 12-year-old cheerleader, Adrianna Bethea, was shot and paralyzed at a local carnival.
“That spoke volumes to me,” Colvin said. “I just think that our citizens deserve firm action.”
The curfew is just one part of a five-pronged safety plan adopted in April.
The city is also expanding recreational programs and mentorship opportunities to engage youth more constructively.
Commentary:
It’s a sad reality that more and more cities are forced to impose youth curfews simply to maintain public order.
Years ago, it would’ve been unthinkable that a 12-year-old might be caught in the crossfire of violence at a carnival.
Today, it’s a grim reminder of how far we’ve slipped.
Fayetteville’s decision isn’t about punishing teenagers—it’s about keeping them safe and keeping communities livable.
A child out past midnight without supervision isn’t just a personal parenting decision anymore; it’s a public risk.
Mayor Colvin and the city council took a necessary step.
Critics may say curfews infringe on personal freedom, but what freedom does a child have when they’re getting shot at community events?
The idea of holding parents accountable is not overreach—it’s basic responsibility.
If a teen is caught breaking the law, the adults who raised and supervise them should answer for that.
Children are not independent citizens.
Until they are, parenting doesn’t get to clock out after dark.
It’s not just about enforcement, either.
The city’s move to expand programs like “midnight” basketball and mentorship shows a commitment to prevention, not just punishment.
That’s smart, long-term thinking.
Still, without consequences, rules are meaningless.
If citations and fines are what it takes to get some parents’ attention, then so be it.
Communities can’t function if large groups of unsupervised youth are left to roam the streets at night.
These measures may not fix everything, but they signal that the city takes safety seriously.
And for parents like the Betheas, that might bring a small measure of justice—and hopefully, fewer tragedies.
The Bottom Line:
Fayetteville’s youth curfew is a direct response to rising crime and a tragic shooting involving a child.
The ordinance aims to protect minors while holding adults responsible.
While controversial to some, the move reflects a growing need for firm community standards and shared responsibility in keeping kids—and neighborhoods—safe.
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