Fayetteville’s new youth curfew clashes with parents as legal penalties loom over families.
At a Glance
- The city recorded nearly 1,900 juvenile arrests over 16 months.
- Minors under 16 face a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., with narrow exceptions.
- Adults supervising violators risk Class 3 misdemeanors and fines up to $500.
- A 12‑year‑old carnival shooting victim became paralyzed, prompting action.
- The city is entering an educational phase, escalating to citations later.
Curfew Ignites Legal Showdown
Fayetteville, a military city anchored by Fort Liberty, has launched an aggressive campaign against juvenile crime with a newly enforced curfew that targets not just teenagers—but their parents. As of July 9, minors under 16 must stay off public streets between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a guardian, engaged in work or school travel, or attending supervised events. The city logged nearly 1,900 youth arrests in just 16 months, sparking what leaders describe as a necessary crackdown on late-night crime.
Under the new ordinance, adults can be held criminally liable for violations by minors in their care. Offending guardians could face a Class 3 misdemeanor, including fines up to $500—a legal shift that places direct punitive responsibility on families rather than juveniles. Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin emphasized that while the initial enforcement period involves warnings, citations and potential detentions are imminent for those who ignore the policy.
Watch a report: Fayetteville Curfew Controversy
Violence Sparks Draconian Measures
The policy follows the paralysis of 12-year-old Adrianna Bethea, who was shot during a chaotic scene at a local carnival in March. The event stunned the community and drove city officials to act swiftly. “That spoke volumes to me,” Colvin stated, reflecting on the emotional impact of the incident, which led to a flurry of legislative responses including five new ordinances targeting youth behavior.
The curfew mirrors similar efforts in other North Carolina cities like Charlotte and is paired with expanded outreach programs. Among them: a “midnight basketball” league and extended hours for youth centers. City officials insist these are not just punitive steps but part of a broader community intervention strategy.
Meanwhile, a newly appointed police chief is set to coordinate enforcement with social services and juvenile justice agencies in an attempt to restructure the “ecosystem” of youth safety. However, not everyone is on board—two city council members opposed the curfew, raising concerns over disproportionate enforcement and long-term effectiveness.
Despite the controversy, the city appears committed to the policy as both a deterrent and a statement of zero tolerance. Whether it leads to lasting change—or legal battles—remains to be seen.