News Summary

In response to rising violence and a recent fatal shooting, the Myrtle Beach City Council has proposed a new 9 PM curfew for teens under 18. This change aims to enhance safety in the Central Business District. With a second vote pending, local leaders stress the importance of community engagement in tackling youth violence. Exemptions for working teens and those with parents will be considered. The new curfew initiative follows alarming statistics on juvenile arrests related to violence and aims to create a safer environment for residents and visitors.

Myrtle Beach City Council Proposes Stricter 9 PM Curfew for Teens Amid Rising Violence and Recent Fatal Shooting

The Myrtle Beach City Council held a meeting on July 8, 2025, where they gave initial approval for a proposed change to the curfew for teenagers under the age of 18. The council plans to set the new curfew time at 9 PM, a reduction from the current midnight cutoff. This change is viewed as a necessity in light of increasing violence in the area, particularly following the recent fatal shooting of an 18-year-old on Ocean Boulevard.

A second vote is needed to finalize this curfew change, which is anticipated later in July. If approved, the new curfew will apply to the Central Business District, encompassing substantial parts of Ocean Boulevard, city parks, and city facilities. Exemptions will be in place for teenagers accompanied by a parent, as well as those who are working during the curfew hours.

This push for an earlier curfew comes on the heels of multiple violent incidents, most notably two fatal shootings along Ocean Boulevard. One such incident involved Grayson Meyers, an 18-year-old who was shot and killed inside Peaches Corner, a popular restaurant, on June 27, 2025. Subsequently, Evony McCray, a 17-year-old employee at the restaurant, has been charged with murder. The community’s safety concerns have escalated due to these tragic events.

In response to the rising violence, Myrtle Beach officials previously implemented a temporary curfew from 10 PM to midnight during the Fourth of July weekend. This temporary measure has since expired, prompting discussions to establish a permanent solution. Local businesses have expressed overwhelming support for a stricter curfew, emphasizing its necessity for ensuring safety for both employees and customers. Business owners have reported that high levels of violence have forced them to invest over $250,000 annually on security measures.

City records reveal that from March 15 through June 30, 2025, there were 137 juvenile arrests, with 57 of those arrests related to issues involving violence, drugs, or weapons. This alarming data has fueled the urgency for an earlier curfew to protect the public and mitigate late-night gatherings of teens that have been associated with increased incidents of violence.

Enforcement of the proposed curfew could result in significant consequences for parenting figures who permit their children to breach this regulation. Parents allowing their children to disregard the curfew could face legal repercussions. Meanwhile, adults who violate the curfew may be subjected to fines of up to $500 or serve time in jail for as long as 30 days.

Officials have recognized that the issue of teen violence extends beyond mere law enforcement. Emphasizing community engagement, local leaders have suggested that effective solutions require a collective effort from residents. City officials have engaged in discussions with police chiefs from cities experiencing similar challenges, such as Charleston and Panama City Beach, as part of their commitment to combating youth violence.

The new curfew is seen as a crucial step toward addressing the growing concerns surrounding public safety and preventing further violence. However, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune and Assistant City Manager Josh Bruegger emphasized that the curfew is just one component of a larger strategy. They are committed to exploring additional solutions that will enhance overall public safety measures in the community.

The proposed curfew represents a concerted effort by the Myrtle Beach City Council and local stakeholders to create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike. As the city takes steps to curb rising violence, officials are hopeful that community collaboration will lead to positive changes.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Myrtle Beach Enforces 9 p.m. Curfew for Minors
Horry County Faces Educational Challenges Amid Population Surge
Tropical Depression Chantal Causes Devastating Flooding in Mid-Atlantic
Severe Flooding in North Carolina from Tropical Depression Chantal
Myrtle Beach Considers Permanent Curfew for Minors
Myrtle Beach Implements Temporary Curfew for Minors
Tropical Storm Chantal Hits Myrtle Beach
Tropical Storm Chantal Hits Litchfield Beach
Myrtle Beach Expands Golf Tourism with New Routes
Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches Myrtle Beach, SC

Additional Resources

• WSOC TV: Carolina Beach Town Extends Early Curfew
• WRAL: Myrtle Beach Stricter Curfew After Shooting
• Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Earlier Curfew for Teens
• WXII 12: Myrtle Beach Leaders Issue Stricter Curfew
• Myrtle Beach Online: Myrtle Beach Curfew Discussions
• Wikipedia: Curfew
• Google Search: Myrtle Beach curfew
• Google Scholar: Youth violence curfews
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Curfew
• Google News: Myrtle Beach teen violence

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.