said by Ralsof:Any age-based curfew is discrimination, pure and simple. Sure, them being at home may curb some trouble, but what about 30 year-olds coming out of bars drunk at 2am? Are they mature and responsible enough to not cause trouble? I doubt that.
That argument is invalid, as the 30 year old staggering out of the bar is breaking the law as well, and (at least around here) can spend the night in jail and be fined $90 for a first offense. You're not supposed to be drunk in public. If you are, it better be for no more than from the door of the establishment to a waiting cab.
I don't know how I feel about curfew laws. I used to work late when I was a teen, and my parents had no problem letting me also stay out to 'play' as long as I pleased, and I turned out alright. I guess it depends on what the community wants. I also really doubt an officer is going to give a working teen a hard time if they're on their way from (or even to) work. At the very worst, the officer will give the teen a free ride to where they need to be to verify the situation. Police officers are here to help protect the community, the only teenagers who are going to have a problem with night patrols are those who have something to hide.
