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MURFREESBORO – Starting in November, juveniles in Murfreesboro will have to be off the streets by 11 p.m. each night.

Murfreesboro’s Town Council approved a juvenile curfew ordinance during their regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17. The ordinance was first presented for consideration at last month’s meeting.

Town Attorney Cecelia Jones noted that she hadn’t received any requests from the council to make any changes since August’s meeting, so the ordinance was the same as originally presented.

According to the ordinance, the curfew will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night for juveniles, which are people under the age of 18. A juvenile commits an offense if they are present in public places or on the premises of any establishment within town during the restricted hours.

There are exceptions, however, in the ordinance for juveniles. Those exceptions include being accompanied by their parent or guardian, responding to an emergency, traveling from work or school or religious activities, or the juvenile is married, emancipated, or a member of the US Armed Services.

Parents or guardians can commit an offense by knowingly permitting a juvenile to break curfew or by refusing to take custody of the juvenile they are responsible for.

The penalty listed in the ordinance is a warning citation for a first violation and a $50 fine upon a second violation.

The ordinance states that “the purpose of this article is to protect juveniles from victimization and exposure to criminal activity by establishing a curfew. This section is intended to reinforce and promote the health, safety, and welfare of both juveniles and adults by creating an environment offering better protection and security for all concerned.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Jones asked the council to set a date for when the ordinance would take effect. Murfreesboro Police Chief recommended at least 30 days, and Jones suggested November 1.

Having no problem with the suggested date, council member James Byerly motioned to approve the ordinance effective November 1, and Craig Dennis seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor.