Juvenile curfew goes into effect at National Harbor this weekend
National Harbor begins implementing teen curfew
National Harbor is now officially enforcing a curfew for teens who aren't with an adult. It comes out of growing concerns from residents and businesses.
WASHINGTON - National Harbor is now officially enforcing a curfew for teens who aren't with an adult. The move comes amid growing concerns from residents and businesses about crime and public disturbances.
Officials say they’re choosing to be proactive as opposed to being reactive. Restrictions in designated areas will now be enforced over the weekends, on Friday and Saturday, in hopes of keeping teens who are 16 or younger off the streets.
What is the curfew?
What You Need to Know:
Between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m., minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or a designated adult over 21. The penalty for violating the curfew are fines up to $250.
RELATED: National Harbor to enforce weekend juvenile curfew again
There are a few exceptions: they are allowed on the sidewalk in front of their homes or of a next-door neighbor, as long as there are no complaints made to police.
Why is there a curfew?
The backstory:
There was an incident in April 2024 where a crowd of around 800 minors got out of control. According to officials, they were fighting, shoplifting, smoking and engaging in other criminal activities. The community doesn't want to see that happen again.
Prince George’s County Executive to announce National Harbor curfew: sources
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Later Thursday morning, multiple sources tell FOX 5’s Stephanie Ramirez, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is expected to announce an emergency executive order that would implement a 5 p.m. curfew on weekends at National Harbor with exceptions.
"Our National Harbor partners they looked at something before and said it’s time to do something again just to make sure that it is safe for the residents who live there, who work there the place where many visitors come to be entertained just wanna make sure that it is a wholesome environment and a signature flagship of our beautiful county," PGPD Chief Malik Aziz said.
Officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed but the police chief stressed the need for parents and kids to take responsibility for their actions saying they are in control to help keep not only the kids safe but the area welcome to visitors.