Detroit City Council approves curfew change for teens at Ford Fireworks show

FOX 2 - An 8 p.m. Ford Fireworks curfew for minors was approved by the Detroit City Council on Tuesday, extending the curfew for minors two hours earlier.

The backstory:

The event attracts thousands to downtown every year and with the rise of teen takeovers across the country, the move was made as a safety precaution. This year's show is set for 10 p.m. next Monday, June 22nd. 

The hope is that an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will cut down on the chaos and violence that can come at large events. Previously the curfew began at 10 p.m.

The curfew is something that has been in place for the last several years, but it needs to be approved by the City Council every year. Minors have to be accompanied by a responsible adult who is 21 or older.

On Monday, a public hearing was held, with everyday people joining the meeting via Zoom to voice their concerns.

"We're not saying that children are not allowed to come," said Detroit Police Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Darryl Woods. "We're saying responsible parents or guardians need to be with them. We want to keep them safe. Keep all Detroiters safe."

Last year two people were shot minutes before the firework display started, after a fight escalated to gunshots in the area of Larned and Randolph.

"We don't want to say we expect you to be rude and expect you to commit a crime while you're here. We expect you to conduct yourselves in an orderly fashion," said Detroit City Council Member Mary Waters. "We expect you not to bring weapons here."

FOX 2 will have more on this story tonight at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

 

Detroit