New city ordinance for teens in downtown Tulsa moves forward

The Tulsa City Council voted 7 to 1 Wednesday night to approve an updated curfew for downtown after a series of shootings involving minors.

Updated Curfew Times for Downtown Tulsa

The curfew will run from 9 PM to 6 AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for people 17 and under.

The newly approved curfew will take effect Thursday, pending the signature of Mayor Monroe Nichols. The ordinance aims to enhance safety in the downtown area during peak weekend hours.

Proposal Presented for Safety Concerns

Mayor Monroe Nichols first announced the curfew idea on Monday, emphasizing its importance for public safety. He believes that this measure will help restore confidence for visitors, particularly unaccompanied youth, coming to downtown Tulsa.

Current City of Tulsa Curfew

"Currently, there is a citywide curfew for people under 18, which is from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays," Nichols stated.

Councilor Concerns

District One Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper highlighted the need for accountability, noting, "One of my major concerns is that engagement and accountability are key. We have been informed that every interaction will be recorded on body cameras."

District Three Councilor Jackie Dutton voiced skepticism about the curfew's necessity, pointing out the absence of data linking juveniles to the recent shootings. She raised questions about the focus on downtown, suggesting that other factors might contribute to business revenue losses.7a93c4e1-b79f-424c-9a16-46cb29302c9e

"What's the percentage of adults that are arrested downtown for fights, homicides, the IDL?" Dutton asked, underscoring the need for a broader perspective on public safety.

The Vote

Councilor Jackie Dutton was the only member to vote against the curfew, citing her reservations as a reason for dissent.

Sunset Options

The new curfew is set to last until October 22nd unless further action is taken by the city council.

Exceptions to the Rule

There will be exceptions to the curfew for minors attending organized activities, such as baseball games or movies, as long as they exit the area immediately afterward. Additionally, this curfew will not impact those under 18 who are traveling directly to and from work in downtown Tulsa.