Silver Bay considers expanding curfew

The Silver Bay City Council is considering changes to its curfew ordinance. Current rules apply to those under age 16 but could be expanded to age 18.

The curfew restricts minors from remaining outside and in public places between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the school year and between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the summer.

At their meeting Monday, council members approved considering a change of the age range and changing the summer hours of the curfew to midnight to 5 a.m.

The Silver Bay Police Department suggested the change, citing an increase of youths out at night, as late as 2 to 3 a.m. Originally, officers proposed changing just the age limit, but council member Steve Marolt suggested changing the time range as well.

Council member Carlene Perfetto said she wasn’t against the change but wanted documentation of the incidents that had prompted it.

“I want to know what they’re doing that so wrong that they shouldn’t be out,” she said.

Council member Joanne Johnson supported the change.

“There’s just not a lot of good that could be happening that late,” she said.

The change will be discussed and then approved or rejected at the June 4 council meeting. The council is asking for public input at the 7 p.m. meeting.

Those breaking curfew are subject to arrest by police officers. A first violation will warrant a ride home. More violations can lead to child delinquency charges under state law.

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