County adopts curfew for minors

McLeod County commissioners Tuesday (Oct. 6) approved a countywide curfew ordinance.

The ordinance, which had its first reading in June, establishes a midnight curfew for 17-year-olds. Younger teens would have earlier curfews. It was first proposed by the McLeod County Police Chiefs Association as early as 2007.

Until the ordinance’s passage, most cities in McLeod County had curfews, the rural areas outside city limits did not.

Under the ordinance, violators could be found guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Also, parents or guardians of minors who knowingly allow or “by insufficient control” allow their children to violate the curfew could be found guilty.

Owners, operators or employees of businesses who knowingly allow a minor to remain on their premises in violation of the curfew could also be found guilty. However, these businesspeople could be exempt if they promptly notify authorities “that a minor was present on the premises of the establishment during curfew hours and refused to leave.”

The full language of the ordinance is available online under “Proposed Ordinance” at www.co.mcleod.mn.us/sheriff.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)