The Village Board, pursuant to the authority granted it under
Article 4 of the Village Law and § 10 of the Municipal Home
Rule Law of the State of New York, hereby enacts as follows.
The Village Board has determined that large numbers of minors
have been congregating in the Village after dark causing general disturbances
to residents. In order to reduce juvenile crime, protect the children
of this municipality, and reinforce parental authority, it is necessary
that a curfew be established to keep minors out of public areas after
dark.
It shall be unlawful for any child under the age of 18 years
to remain in or upon any public street, highway, park, vacant lot
or other public place between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The following shall constitute valid exceptions to the operation
of the curfew:
A. At any time, if the child is accompanied by his or her parent or
legal guardian.
B. If the child is legally employed, for the period from 1/2 hour before
to 1/2 hour after work, while going directly between his or her home
and place of employment. This exception shall also apply if the child
is in a public place during curfew hours in the course of his or her
employment. To come under this exception, the child must be carrying
a written statement from the employer attesting to the place and hours
of employment.
C. Until the hour of 12:30 a.m., if the child is on the property of
or the sidewalk directly adjacent to the building in which he or she
resides or the buildings immediately adjacent thereto if the owner
of the adjacent building does not object.
D. If the child is coming directly home from a school activity or an
activity of a religious or other voluntary association, or a place
of public entertainment, such as a movie, play, or sporting event.
This exception will apply for one hour after the completion of such
event, but in no case beyond 12:00 midnight.
E. If the minor is exercising First Amendment rights protected by the
Constitution, such as the free exercise of religion, speech, or assembly,
provided that the minor first has given notice to the Mayor by delivering
a written communication signed by the minor and countersigned by a
parent of the minor which specifies when, where, in what manner, and
for what First Amendment purpose the minor will be on the streets
at night during the curfew period.
[Amended 9-18-1996 by L.L. No. 9-1996]
Any person committing an offense against the provisions of this
chapter shall be guilty of a violation under the Penal Law and, upon
conviction thereof, shall be punishable for the first offense by a
fine of not more than $100 and for each subsequent offense by a fine
of not more than $250.