Baltimore Implements Curfew for Teens in Fells Point

BALTIMORE — Fells Point is seeing new measures aimed at regulating teen gatherings during late-night hours. Barriers have been installed on South Broadway, accompanied by signs that prohibit unaccompanied minors from being in the area after curfew.

The restrictions state that children under 14 are not allowed in the vicinity from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., while teens aged 14 to 17 must leave by 11 p.m.

Local bartender Emma Gebhard, who works at Todd Conner's, expressed her support for the new security measures. “I feel a little relieved just as a bartender,” she said, acknowledging the presence of security personnel at the barriers. However, she noted that while security provides some comfort, it is not a substitute for police presence.

Baltimore Police collaborated with city officials to implement these curfews following a series of large teen meetups that have raised concerns among residents and business owners.

Gebhard recounted her experiences during these gatherings, mentioning issues such as underage drinking and vandalism. “They would use the bathrooms for free, throw up in the bathroom, we’d have to clean it up,” she explained.

Fells Point resident Michelle shared her observations of the disturbances caused by large groups of teens. “You had kids in the streets stopping traffic doing their little dances and then you have them messing with people that walk through here,” she said, describing chaotic scenes in the neighborhood.

While some believe that curfews are necessary, Gebhard suggested that providing more recreational opportunities for youth could help alleviate the issues. “If we had better free third spaces, they wouldn’t have to resort to trying to buy alcohol in the streets,” she stated.

Michelle, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues at home. “This is something you can’t put a band-aid on. You gotta get to the root of the problem,” she said, advocating for more support for troubled youth.

City officials hope to maintain the curfew throughout the summer to enhance safety in the area.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).