Winston-Salem rejects youth curfew extension

Winston-Salem’s City Council voted 6-2 against extending the city’s temporary youth curfew, so the restrictions are set to expire Oct. 12. The ordinance generally bars people younger than 18 from public places and businesses between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with exceptions for activities such as work and supervised events. Police Chief William Penn argued the curfew has improved safety and sought more time to assess its effects, citing fewer youth victims and no teen takeovers. Opponents said the available data—including 13 reported incidents during the curfew period—did not justify maintaining a citywide restriction and called for more activities for teenagers.