Mobile police are reminding teenagers about the city’s curfew for minors, particularly within the downtown entertainment district.

In a press release issued Thursday, police said they intend to “diligently” enforce the curfew, which runs from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., seven days a week for anyone under the age of 18.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our young community members, and police personnel will be conducting thorough ID checks to enforce these regulations,” the MPD said in the release.

Mobile first enacted a curfew for minors in 2002, but it was rarely enforced with regard to juveniles out late at night. However, it did have the consequence, whether intended or not, of resulting in the closure of several dance clubs that were problem areas downtown at the time, including Fubar’s, where a 21-year-old Spring Hill student was fatally struck by a stray bullet as she ran from a fight in February of that year.

Then, in 2011, the city council adopted a new ordinance, which sets the city-wide curfew for minors from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday; or midnight to 6 a.m. on Friday/Saturday; but maintains the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew in the entertainment district downtown.

Four years after the current ordinance was enacted, a 2015 AL.com poll found more than 75% of respondents thought the curfew helpful, either with or without exceptions. The number was nearly identical to those who said the curfew was needed in 2011.

The current ordinance does provide for exceptions to the curfew:

• When accompanied by a parent, guardian or authorized adult
• When accompanied by another adult authorized by parent or guardian for a specific purpose
• When on an errand, approved by parent, guardian or authorized adult
• To and from employment
• In an emergency
• Prom, sporting events, religion-related activities, school related events, all approved by parent, guardian or authorized adult
• When on the property/sidewalk where the minor lives
• Next door neighbor’s home if no complaints registered due to minor’s presence

The MPD’s Thursday release emphasized the adherence to curfew regulations in the downtown entertainment district, in particular.

“This means that strict measures will be in place to ensure compliance with the curfew regulations,” the release read. “We urge parents and legal guardians to take an active role in accompanying minors after curfew hours, ensuring their safety and compliance with the regulations.

“The Mobile Police Department is committed to fostering a safe and orderly environment for Mobile residents, visitors, and all participants. By respecting and abiding by the curfew regulations, we can collectively create an atmosphere where everyone can have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Let’s work together to make this summer a safe one for all.”