Footer Tells WUSA9 Youth Curfew ‘A Good Temporary Tool’

'A good temporary tool' | Neighbors react to new youth curfew zone now in effect along U Street Corridor

The curfew applies to anyone 17 or younger who is in a group of nine or more between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.Author: Alexis Wainwright

Published: 11:41 PM EDT July 18, 2025

Updated: 11:41 PM EDT July 18, 2025

WASHINGTON —  A new youth curfew zone is now in effect in D.C.’s U Street Corridor as city leaders respond to ongoing concerns about safety and large gatherings of teens in the area.

The curfew, which began Friday evening, will remain in place through Sunday. It applies to anyone 17 or younger who is in a group of nine or more between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. within the boundaries of 14th and U streets, stretching from T Street to V Street NW.

The restrictions mark the second special enforcement zone the city has launched in recent weeks. The first was established in the Navy Yard area last weekend.

Residents and business owners in the U Street Corridor say they’ve noticed a growing pattern of large teen gatherings that sometimes escalate into fights or street disturbances. District officials hope the increased police presence will help curb the chaos — but not everyone is convinced it’s a long-term solution.

“I mean, I’m glad the city is trying to do something,” said Nate Long, co-owner of District Alley, a bar on U Street. “But the herds of young folks running up and down — it makes folks say, ‘maybe we just go to the suburbs.’”

Long said the weekend crowds have affected business and customer safety:

“If you have a business on this strip, you want folks to feel like they’re not making a life decision by coming down— wondering if their car will be broken into or if they’ll walk past a large crowd of teens getting into it.”

City officials say the curfew is part of a larger effort to reduce violence and create a safer atmosphere for residents and visitors.

“This is a good temporary tool to help stabilize a very serious situation,” said Brian Footer, a local Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner.

However, some nearby residents voiced concern over the optics and effectiveness of the curfew and increased police presence.

“I understand why they’re doing it, but I think it’s a temporary fix,” said Lyndsy Joseph, who lives in the area. “It’s summer and kids want somewhere to go.”

Joseph also questioned the heavy police presence, saying it could send the wrong message to the community.

“It seems like an issue that could be handled in a different way,” she said.

Enforcement of the curfew is still a major question for many. D.C. police officials say officers are instructed to engage with youth before making arrests.

“We’re dealing with juveniles, so we want to talk to them first and try to get compliance,” said Commander Colin Hall of the First District. “We don’t want to have to make arrests.”

Long said he supports the curfew as a short-term measure but believes the city should also invest in more youth programming to provide alternatives to hanging out on the street.

“It’s gotta be: give the kids something to do,” he said. “I’m glad they got some programs in place, but they need more—something that can keep them occupied.”

The curfew enforcement zone is scheduled to remain in place through the weekend, with city leaders continuing to assess its impact.

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