News Summary
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has introduced a 9 p.m. curfew for minors in response to rising juvenile violence. Effective July 22, 2025, the ordinance restricts individuals under 18 from the Central Business District during late hours. A separate midnight curfew applies outside this area. The ordinance follows increased juvenile arrests and multiple violent incidents, including fatal shootings, with officials aiming to enhance safety for the community and visitors while receiving local business support.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has implemented a 9 p.m. curfew for minors in the Central Business District (CBD) effective July 22, 2025, in response to a troubling rise in juvenile violence. The new ordinance prohibits individuals under 18 from being in the CBD, which includes the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and its surrounding areas, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Minors will only be allowed in these public spaces after curfew if accompanied by a parent.
In addition to the curfew within the CBD, a separate curfew for minors outside this area has been established, running from midnight to 6 a.m. The decision to impose stricter curfews was prompted by a significant increase in juvenile arrests— with 137 recorded between March 15 and June 30, 2025. Of these arrests, 57 involved serious offenses such as physical violence, drug-related activities, and possession of weapons.
The city’s officials initiated the curfew following a series of violent incidents, including two fatal shootings on Ocean Boulevard. This turbulence reached a peak when an 18-year-old was shot dead by police after firing into a crowd, causing injuries to 11 others. These events spurred community outcry for more stringent safety measures.
Details of the Curfew
The curfew applies to various city properties, parks, and beach accesses, specifically covering locations that fall within the CBD boundaries, which stretch between the Atlantic Ocean shore and Kings Highway, and from 6th Avenue South to 21st Avenue North. If law enforcement officers have reasonable suspicion that someone is under 18, they are permitted to inquire about the individual’s age and request identification.
Penalties for violating the curfew vary. Minors caught outside during the restricted hours will be dealt with through local school and juvenile justice systems. Furthermore, parents could face substantial fines of up to $500 or even a maximum of 30 days imprisonment if found allowing their children to breach these new regulations.
Community and Business Support
The enforcement of the curfew has garnered overwhelming support from local business owners who believe a reduction in juvenile-related violence will enhance the family-friendly atmosphere desired for both residents and tourists. Myrtle Beach City Manager Josh Bruegger has asserted that this measure is a preliminary step in addressing the growing concerns around juvenile crime.
Local council member Mike Lowder noted that other cities across South Carolina are also contemplating similar curfews in light of rising juvenile crime rates. The strategy aims to create a safer environment that will attract more families and tourists to the area.
Concerns Raised by Youth Representatives
Despite general support, local youth representatives have raised concerns regarding how the enforcement of the curfew will be implemented. Questions have been directed towards the methods officers will use to verify identification while avoiding potential issues related to unfair profiling amongst younger populations.
In conclusion, the city of Myrtle Beach has enacted a curfew for minors in response to a surge in juvenile violence, aiming to foster a safer environment for the community. Officials emphasize that a family-friendly atmosphere is pivotal for both local business success and tourism, making this ordinance a vital part of broader safety measures.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Officially Has a Curfew for Minors
- Myrtle Beach Online: Curfew Update on Juvenile Crime
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Curfew Change Downtown
- WBTW: Visitors React to New Stricter Juvenile Curfew
- MSN News: City Responds to Questions on Myrtle Beach’s New 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.
