In response to two recent incidents specifically, and a growing number of juvenile charges in general, Rehoboth Beach commissioners voted in favor of implementing a curfew for minors during a meeting May 16. The curfew, set to be in place later this week, is in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

This issue was first addressed last fall, during an end-of-season report given by Police Chief Keith Banks. He requested commissioners consider a curfew for the upcoming season, because there had been a 110% increase in juvenile charges in 2024 over 2023.

With other issues to address, the suggested curfew fell to the back burner over the winter. Then two weeks ago, two incidents – a large midweek beach party that left the area littered with trash and a Friday night crowd fight on Rehoboth Avenue – brought the issue back.

Neighbors, businesses and the city’s officers are asking for it, said Banks at the recent meeting.

Rehoboth Beach was one of the last beach communities in the area without a curfew – those in Ocean City, Md., Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach are 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., while Fenwick Island and Lewes are midnight to 6 a.m.

Banks assured commissioners enforcement of the curfew would be another tool in the toolbox and that officers would not be actively pursuing minors who are out beyond 11 p.m.

It’s not something the officers are going to be looking for, and they’re not going to be heavy-handed, said Banks. If there’s something that draws attention, then it’s another tool, he said. 

Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski asked Banks why the police couldn’t use tools already available, such as disorderly conduct.

Banks said the biggest issue with that is the level of charge – criminal versus civil. The department is hesitant to issue criminal charges against minors, he said.

Commissioner Francis “Bunky” Markert said he looked at the curfew like a posted speed limit. It’s there to be enforced, but the officers can use some discretion, he said.

Carol Everhart, Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said a survey of the businesses showed that overall they weren’t against it, but would like it to be midnight because if they close at 11 p.m. and they have employees that are minors, there might be issues.

Everhart said the businesses also suggested more lighting on the Boardwalk.

Commissioner Suzanne Goode recommended midnight to 5 a.m., but none of the other commissioners supported that idea.

It wasn’t exactly clear when the curfew would take effect, but it’s likely to happen sometime in the coming week. Banks said it would take a few days to get the change in the books so the alderman court can enforce it.

Commissioner Mark Saunders suggested the city install signs at the entrances to town to let people know of the change.

City Manager Taylour Tedder said he would get those signs made and put up within the week.