Sylva officials OK midnight curfew

By Lynn Hotaling

The new ordinance, which is aimed at keeping youth under age 16 off town streets between midnight and 5 a.m., was recommended in July by Sylva Police Chief Jeff Jamison.

Modeled after a similar statute enacted by Hendersonville, Sylvašs youth protection ordinance is in effect seven days a week and makes it unlawful for minors and juveniles under age 16 to be in any public place within Sylvašs city limits during curfew hours.

Minors are only allowed out during those time periods if accompanied by a parent or guardian or traveling between two of the following locations: home, place of employment, place of worship, government building or any school-sanctioned function - if the minor has attended the function.

Consequences of violations will be shared by juveniles and their parents.

On the first offense, both the minor and the parent will receive warning tickets. For repeat offenses, a juvenile citation will be drawn against the minor and a criminal citation against the parent. If the juvenile is thought to be abused or neglected, the investigating officer will file a report with the Department of Social Services.

If a parent refuses to take custody of a minor found to be in violation of the curfew, officers will immediately contact DSS, and the parent or guardian will be subject to criminal action.

Punishment for violating the ordinance is a maximum fine of $500 or imprisonment for no more than 30 days.

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