News Summary

The Myrtle Beach City Council has enacted a new curfew ordinance for minors, restricting those under 18 from being outside from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. This decision comes amid rising juvenile violence, with 137 arrests reported from March to June. Local officials emphasize the importance of this measure to enhance safety in the Central Business District, where recent incidents have heightened concerns among residents and business owners. Exceptions to the curfew are in place for minors accompanied by guardians or those traveling to employment. Penalties may apply to both minors and their parents for violations.

Myrtle Beach City Council Enacts Stricter 9 PM Curfew for Minors Amid Rising Juvenile Violence

The Myrtle Beach City Council unanimously enacted a juvenile curfew ordinance on July 22, 2025, imposing a new curfew for individuals under the age of 18 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day. This decision comes in response to a worrying spike in juvenile crime and violence in the city, particularly during the recent spring break and summer seasons.

The curfew will be enforced in the Central Business District, which includes well-known areas such as Ocean Boulevard and local city parks. Previously, minors were allowed to be outside until midnight, but the ordinance aims to enhance public safety following a series of alarming incidents involving youth.

City officials highlighted that from March 15 to June 30, there were a total of 137 juvenile arrests in Myrtle Beach, with 57 of these arrests linked to incidents of violence, drug-related activities, or weapon possession. Among the more notable incidents was a shooting on June 27 where a 17-year-old was involved in an altercation that led to the death of an 18-year-old. Additionally, an April encounter resulted in police fatally shooting an 18-year-old who had reportedly fired into a crowd, injuring 11 bystanders.

The new curfew aims to address the community’s concerns, particularly those expressed by local business owners who have been increasingly worried about safety in the area. The council believes that the curfew is a necessary first step in creating a safer environment for residents and tourists alike.

Under the new ordinance, there are exceptions in place. Minors will not be penalized for being out after the curfew if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian or are traveling to or from a place of employment. Law enforcement officers will have the authority to verify the age and identity of individuals suspected to be underage. In cases where minors violate the curfew, their cases will be handled through the juvenile justice system.

Parents and guardians should be aware that they, too, could face consequences if they allow their children to disregard the curfew. Penalties for violating the ordinance may include fines of up to $500 or potential jail time. The city hopes these measures will encourage greater parental accountability regarding their children’s activities during the late hours.

The Assistant City Manager indicated that the move has received overwhelming support from the local business community, which has expressed optimism that the stricter curfew will improve safety conditions. Council members also stressed that this ordinance is just the beginning of a series of measures intended to combat juvenile crime and enhance public safety in downtown Myrtle Beach.

The Myrtle Beach Police Chief outlined the department’s approach to enforcing the curfew, noting that officers would engage with minors to determine their circumstances and ages rather than resorting to punitive actions. Officers are trained to handle such interactions with sensitivity, focusing on communication to establish whether the curfew is being violated.

City officials are committed to continuing efforts to ensure the safety of the community and its visitors. Further safety measures and initiatives are expected to be explored and implemented to maintain a secure environment for the public.

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Leaders Vote on Stricter Juvenile Curfew
• Wikipedia: Main Page
• WBTW: Downtown Businesses Reflect on Myrtle Beach Curfew
• Google Search: Myrtle Beach Curfew
• WPDE: Myrtle Beach Juvenile Curfew Overview
• Google Scholar: Juvenile Curfew Myrtle Beach
• Myrtle Beach Online: Curfew Updates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Juvenile Justice
• My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Juvenile Curfew Enacted
• Google News: Myrtle Beach Juvenile 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.