Council Ready to Relax Curfew for Minors
Freedom of speech and religion may soon be sufficient reasons for Long Beach youths to stay out late.
Reacting to a recent federal court ruling, the City Council this week unanimously approved the first reading of a new ordinance that would relax Long Beach’s existing nighttime curfew for minors.
Under the new law, which still must be approved at a second reading next week, minors would be able to stay out past 10 p.m. if they are attending a political rally or religious services.
Running errands for parents would also represent an acceptable excuse for being out late under the proposed rules. The exemptions also would allow minors to stand on sidewalks abutting their residences after curfew.
The proposed changes come in response to a ruling last month by the 9th District U.S. Court of Appeals that San Diego’s curfew was unconstitutional.
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