The City of Winston-Salem is taking action to address a growing pattern of late-night youth gatherings, "teen takeovers," and related disruptive behavior that has increased across the city in 2026. In response to rising concerns from residents, businesses, and law enforcement, the Winston-Salem Police Department presented a youth protection ordinance, which was approved by the Winston-Salem City Council on Monday, June 15, 2026.
The youth protection ordinance will become effective after a second reading by the City Council on Monday, June 22 at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
Key elements of the ordinance
Who
The youth protection ordinance applies to individuals 17 years of age and younger.
Where it applies
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The ordinance applies in public places and establishments throughout the city.
When it applies
The ordinance is in effect daily from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and ends on October 12, 2026.
Rationale
"Our officers are seeing more young people out late at night, unsupervised, and unfortunately that’s when we tend to see an increase in problems, whether it’s kids becoming victims themselves or getting involved in disorderly or unsafe behavior," said Mayor Allen Joines. "This youth protection ordinance is about stepping in early, keeping our youth safe, and giving families another layer of support."
"We want this to be a proactive tool," Mayor Joines added. "It’s not about punishing young people — it’s about preventing situations from escalating, reducing late-night disruptions, and making sure our community remains safe while still respecting the rights of our residents and the role of parents."
Who can be cited for a violation
- Anyone 17 or younger in a public place or establishment during the youth protection ordinance hours
- A parent or guardian who knowingly allows or fails to prevent the juvenile from being out
- An owner, operator, or employee who allows a juvenile to remain in an establishment
- Anyone 18 or older who knowingly aids or abets a juvenile in violating the ordinance
- A parent or guardian who refuses to retrieve a juvenile during restricted hours
Penalties
Juvenile violators may be referred to N.C. Juvenile Court as delinquent; however, the Winston-Salem Police Department will focus on alternatives such as transporting youth home, issuing warnings, or referring families to the Youth Diversion Program.
Adults may face a misdemeanor charge and fines of up to $500.
Exceptions
The ordinance allows for several exceptions, including when a juvenile is:
- Accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult
- Running a parent-directed errand (until 10:30 p.m.)
- Traveling in a vehicle with permission
- Working or commuting to or from a job
- Responding to an emergency
- Attending or traveling to or from supervised school, religious, or recreational activities
- Exercising First Amendment rights
- Authorized by a police-issued permit
- Enrolled in a college or university
Enforcement
Enforcement details will be implemented by the Winston-Salem Police Department in accordance with the provisions of the youth protection ordinance.
