Independence approves SantaCaliGon curfew for minors over Labor Day weekend
Independence is putting new restrictions in place for unaccompanied minors during one of the city's biggest annual events.
The Independence City Council unanimously approved a new curfew Monday night affecting minors during SantaCaliGon Days.
The ordinance creates a temporary curfew district around the Independence Square during the festival, which takes place over Labor Day weekend.
City documents say the change is intended to improve public safety and crowd management during one of Independence's largest annual events.
The curfew applies to minors under 18 in an area bounded by Noland Road, Pleasant Street, Farmer Street and Walnut Street.
Unaccompanied minors generally will not be allowed in the district from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The temporary rules begin at 6 p.m. on the Thursday before Labor Day and remain in effect through noon on Labor Day.
Minors accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt from the curfew. Other exceptions include minors handling an emergency errand, returning home from school or recreational activities, or returning home from work.
Independence is not the only Kansas City-area community or event to take action involving unaccompanied minors this summer.
In June, Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street announced it would end Downtown Days after nearly 40 years following disturbances during this year's festival.
The Cass County Fair also took action in July, announcing that groups of 10 or more unaccompanied minors would be removed from the fairgrounds in Pleasant Hill.