LAUREL, DE - Neighbors in Laurel can expect new curfew rules in the New Year after the Town passed amendments to the ordinance this week.
According to the Town of Laurel, the Mayor and Council approved amendments to the ordinance on Monday, December 18th. The revised curfew will now apply to those 17 or younger, with the curfew time set for 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
According to Laurel's Town Manager Jamie Smith, the previous curfew only applied to minors aged 15 and under. Curfew times were 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Exceptions to the curfew include those accompanied by a parent or authorized adult, or in case of emergencies. Those exercising their First Amendment Rights such as religious or right of assembly purposes will also be exempt, dependent on proper notice to the Chief of Police, according to the updated Town Codes.
Those who violate the curfew are subject may be issued a written warning by police, and taken to the police station to be released to a parent upon repeat violations, according to Town Code. Minors who violate the curfew more than three times can be reported by the Chief of Police to juvenile authorities as a minor in need of supervision.
After a warning from police, parents can be fined $50 for the first offense with an increase of $25 per subsequent offense as well.
The Town says the new curfew rules will take effect on January 1st, 2024.
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UPDATE: Community members in Laurel are hopeful these new rules will make a positive impact.
A whole new section of the population will be subject to the towns curfew rules starting on January 1st, 2024: kids ages 16 and 17. We spoke with Caleb Murat, who is 17 and lives in Laurel. He said he is unbothered by the new rules.
"I mean I feel like it's a good rule implemented because I feel as a young child you're still developing you're still growing, you need your sleep so I feel you should be inside getting ready for the next day," said Murat.
Angieliah Whaley, who also lives in Laurel, said while the news rules are a bit stricter, they make sense.
"Everything that's going on like break-ins or robberies or anything, you know any kind of gun violence as well, like anything, it'll help," said Whaley.
However, some in Laurel, including Murat, feel town officials could step outside of the "curfew box" to help keep kids occupied.
"I feel like Laurel, the town needs a lot more recreational activities because there really isn't much to do but I guess get into trouble," said Murat.
New curfew rules, garnering support, but leaving something to be desired among neighbors in Laurel.