Columbus City Council Approves Summer Curfew for Unsupervised Minors in Uptown District
COLUMBUS, GA — The Columbus City Council has approved a temporary nighttime curfew for unsupervised minors in the Uptown district following a surge in disruptive behavior, property crimes, and violent incidents involving large groups of teenagers.
The emergency ordinance will take effect 10 days after Mayor Skip Henderson signs it and is scheduled to remain active through September 30, 2026, unless city leaders vote to extend it.
Curfew Boundaries and Hours
The new restrictions apply strictly to the designated Uptown Columbus commercial and entertainment zone. The restricted area covers the blocks stretching from 8th Street to 14th Street, bounded by 2nd Avenue and Bay Avenue.
Under the newly adopted rules:
- Minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from remaining in public places within the designated zone between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- Juveniles out during these hours must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an authorized adult supervisor.
- The ordinance includes specific, standard legal exemptions, such as minors traveling to or from employment, medical emergencies, or official school and religious activities.
Surge in Violence Prompts Council Action
City council members enacted the measure in response to growing alarms raised by local business owners, residents, and police personnel. Stakeholders reported consistent issues with large, unmonitored crowds of juveniles gathering late at night, which frequently escalated into trespassing, physical brawls, public disruptions, and recent shootings.
The Columbus Police Department (CPD) noted that its data systems have logged hundreds of calls for service and criminal arrests within the Uptown sector over the past few years, with a significant concentration of the offenses occurring after dark and involving unsupervised minors.
“This ordinance is not about punishing kids. It is temporary and will end at the end of the summer,” Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis said. “Most of all, we need the help of parents. This is an overall strategic step to reduce crime, and we can’t do it alone. This is not about keeping kids out of Uptown. It’s about keeping people safe.”
Enforcement and Next Steps
CPD officials stated that patrol officers will begin working alongside downtown business owners and community partners to educate the public on the new rules before shifting into strict enforcement.
The police department is urging parents and guardians to familiarize themselves with the geographical boundaries of the curfew and to actively monitor their children’s locations and peer groups during the late evening hours.
