News Summary
In response to a rise in youth violence, Myrtle Beach has implemented a 9 p.m. curfew for minors. Approved by the city council, the ordinance aims to enhance safety for families and visitors by prohibiting individuals under 18 from public spaces during curfew hours. Recent data revealed alarming juvenile crime rates, prompting city leaders to take action. The ordinance includes specific exemptions and holds businesses accountable for enforcing the curfew. With immediate enforcement dates set, the city is committed to improving community safety.
Myrtle Beach has implemented a 9 p.m. curfew for minors in response to a significant rise in youth violence. This new ordinance, approved by the Myrtle Beach City Council, is aimed at curbing troubling incidents amongst the underage population and enhancing safety for families and visitors.
The curfew will be effective from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for individuals under the age of 18 within designated areas of the city, specifically in the Central Business District that encompasses the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and extends from the ocean to Kings Highway between 6th Avenue South and 21st Avenue North. The ordinance prohibits minors from being present in public spaces during these hours.
Recent data from the Myrtle Beach Police Department revealed 137 juvenile arrests from March 15 to June 30, 2025, with over 57 of these arrests involving serious offenses related to physical violence, drugs, and/or weapons. This alarming trend has prompted city leaders to take proactive measures to safeguard both residents and tourists. The curfew is anticipated to assist law enforcement in managing juvenile behavior more effectively during peak tourist activity.
The city council initially considered a 10 p.m. curfew but adjusted it to 9 p.m. following appeals from local businesses concerned about the safety of their patrons and the community. In addition to minor enforcement measures, business operators will be held accountable for ensuring that minors are not allowed on their premises during curfew hours. They will also be required to alert authorities if minors are present in their establishments after the designated curfew time.
As part of the enforcement strategy, the Myrtle Beach Police Department will employ professional “juvenile monitors” who will supervise minors during curfew violations until they can be picked up by their guardians. This initiative is designed to provide a safer environment and support proactive measures for behavior management outside regular hours.
Exemptions to the curfew include minors accompanied by parents or guardians, those involved in emergencies, working minor employees, and those participating in school or religious functions. The ordinance aims to ensure clear definitions of “public places” where the curfew applies, which encompasses streets, parks, and common areas within residential and commercial zones.
The Myrtle Beach City Council highlighted the importance of community safety and cohesion, with Mayor Brenda Bethune expressing the city’s commitment to safeguarding families, visitors, and the local business community. An amendment proposed by Council member Jackie Hatley was also passed, extending curfew regulations to parks and city properties beyond the Central Business District.
Penalties under the new ordinance align with the South Carolina Juvenile Justice Code, which could impose fines or imprisonment on parents for violations committed by their minor children. This aspect of the ordinance reinforces parental responsibility in ensuring their children adhere to the newly established curfew.
The city council’s approval of the ordinance includes immediate enforcement dates, specifically declaring July 10-13 and July 17-20 as extraordinary events where curfew regulations will start being enforced sooner than expected. As the situation develops, updates will be provided based on the second reading and potential long-term initiatives concerning the curfew ordinance, which is projected for the end of July.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Business Owners See Benefits of New Temporary Downtown Curfew
- Wikipedia
- WBTW: Myrtle Beach May Tighten Up Juvenile Curfew with Permanent Rule Change
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Curfew
- Myrtle Beach City Leaders Make Way for Curfew on Minors
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Curfew
- ABC News 4: Myrtle Beach Curfew for Minors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Vote on Extending Teen Curfew
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Curfew
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
