Mayor Lauds 1st Weekend of Earlier Curfew

Mayor Michael Nutter says the first weekend of an earlier curfew for minors in some parts of Philadelphia went well - except for one episode of violence outside a bowling alley where the mayor himself had appeared earlier.

Nutter said there were about 70 curfew violations on Friday and Saturday nights, the first nights of a 9 p.m. curfew for those under 18 in Center City and nearby University City.

“I am sure that young people and their parents have now gotten the message,” the mayor said in a statement Sunday. “We are going to continue to promote the positive, but we will also have continued enforcement of the curfew. It is strict and serious and there are no exceptions.”

The curfew is intended to curb recent mobs of young people responsible for random attacks and property damage. A first arrest could mean a fine of $100 to $300, and parents could be fined up to $500 for successive violations. In other parts of the city, the curfew remains 10 p.m. for those under 13 and midnight for those under 18. The effort also includes increased enforcement and extended hours at 20 recreation centers in the city.

The mayor also called on businesses to give financial and volunteer support to youth development activities and help provide more summer and year-round jobs for young people.

Nutter appeared at a city-sponsored bowling party Saturday night at the Erie Lanes in the Juniata section of northeast Philadelphia, outside the curfew areas. But officials said about three blocks away, a teenage girl walking home from the party was allegedly stabbed in the arm by an 18-year-old who also attended the party. A suspect was arrested Sunday.

The mayor, however, said the violence did not detract from “the great night young people had at this event.” And overall, he said, “it was a pretty quiet night in Philadelphia.”


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Copyright AP - Associated Press
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