Tulsa curfew for teens takes effect after string of downtown violence

A new curfew goes into effect tonight for teenagers in downtown Tulsa following several weeks of violent incidents that prompted safety concerns among city leaders and residents.

The ordinance, passed by the Tulsa City Council in a 7-1 vote, restricts minors from being in the downtown area during certain evening hours, but includes exceptions for work and recreational events. The rule will remain in effect through Oct. 22 unless extended.

What the Curfew Says

Under the new rule, individuals age 17 and under must be off the streets of downtown Tulsa by 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The curfew ends at 6 a.m. each of those mornings.

Mayor Monroe Nichols and other supporters say the measure is meant to improve public safety, especially during peak nighttime hours downtown.

Council Debate and Dissent

The council debated the measure for hours before reaching a decision. District 3 Councilor Jackie Dutton cast the only dissenting vote, citing enforcement challenges and potential harm to marginalized communities.

“We don't have the information at hand to make an emergency clause decision first, second and then vote reading on a measure that is going to be harmful to our communities,” Dutton said.

Who’s Exempt from the Curfew

There are specific exemptions included in the curfew:

1. Teens attending recreational events like movies or baseball games, as long as they leave the downtown area immediately afterward.
2. Minors traveling to or from a job are also exempt from the rule.

Support from Downtown Stakeholders

Brian Kurtz, CEO of the Downtown Tulsa Partnership, said the curfew is a pilot intended to ensure safety for everyone spending time downtown.

“This is a means of protecting individuals — youth, residents, visitors, employees — people who are in downtown 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the spectrum of age,” he said.

What Parents Should Know

The city has created an online FAQ to help parents understand the rules, exceptions, and enforcement of the new curfew.

Looking Ahead

The weekend curfew is set to expire on Oct. 22, unless the city council votes to extend or modify it. Officials say they'll assess the impact over the coming weeks to determine its effectiveness and any need for adjustments.