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Central Patrol is home to a number of entertainment
districts such as the River Market, the Plaza, and Westport.
Although the first two areas do have liquor establishments, neither has
the number of concentration of bars that can be found in Westport.
In approximately four square blocks, there are over twenty bars and
restaurants, thirteen of which have 3 AM liquor licenses. This
creates a large volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
During
a typical Friday or Saturday night during the summer, as many as 10,000 patrons
visit the Westport area. |
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The mix of large numbers of people, and a
party atmosphere often creates the potential for crime and civil unrest.
Beginning in May of 2001, Central Patrol began working
with business owners and residents of Westport to create a comprehensive
strategy to provide for the safety and security of the patrons and
residents of the area. An important component of the plan was the
cooperation of the Westport Merchants Association (an association made
up of many of the retail and liquor establishments in the Westport
area). Since the implementation of the "Westport Plan", crime is
down in nearly every category, and the overall image of the Kansas City
Missouri Police Department, and the Westport area has increased.
A key component of the plan, has been to control the
number of minors that are visiting the Westport area on weekends.
Since a majority of the establishments that are open during weekend
nights are only open to patrons 21 and over, a "Westport Curfew" plan
was established.
Westport Curfew Information
The city of Kansas City Missouri has a Curfew
Ordinance for minors (persons under the age of 18). This ordinance
is being strictly enforced in the Westport Entertainment District.
The Juvenile Curfew Ordinance is in effect;
Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Friday and Saturday: Midnight to 6:00 AM
Municipal Ordinance 50.237 reads as follows:
"It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years of
age to loiter, wander, stroll or play in or upon the public streets,
highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other buildings, places
of amusement, eating places, vacant lots, or any place unsupervised by
an adult having the lawful authority to be at such places during curfew
hours."
Exceptions to Ordinance 50.237 include:
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When a minor is accompanied by his/her parents,
guardian, or other adult person having the lawful care an custody of
the minor.
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When the minor is on an emergency errand directed
by his/her parent or guardian or other adult person having the lawful
care and custody of such minor.
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When the minor is returning directly home from
lawful employment that makes it necessary to be in the prescribed
places during the designated period of time.
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When the minor is returning directly home from
school activities and entertainment events and recreations programs.
(ID may be required)
If found in violation of Municipal Ordinance 50.237
the PARENTS or GUARDIAN of the minor will be issued a ticket with a
possible penalty of 6 months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
For any questions regarding the Juvenile Curfew
Ordinance, contact the KCPD Juvenile Section at 816-234-5150
