St. Louis Imposes Youth Curfew through Summer 2026
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ST. LOUIS — Mayor Cara Spencer signed Executive Order 98 on July 2, 2026, establishing a nightly curfew for minors aged 17 and under in the Downtown and Downtown West neighborhoods. The restriction runs from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., taking effect July 3 and continuing through September 8, 2026, aimed at limiting unpermitted large gatherings.
As the curfew began this week, the city's Office of Violence Prevention opened a drop-in center at the Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club to offer basketball, chess and photography; city officials said enforcement will be paired with reunification centers and expanded late-night programming, and exemptions apply for custodial adults, school travel, city-sponsored events and employment.
More context
Timeline
- 1. June 2026 — City used a youth curfew during Pride events in The Grove and Forest Park Southwest.
- 2. July 2, 2026 — Mayor Cara Spencer signed Executive Order 98 establishing the overnight youth curfew.
- 3. July 3, 2026 — Curfew went into effect nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Downtown and Downtown West.
- 4. Early July 2026 — Office of Violence Prevention opened a Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club drop-in center as an alternative space for teens.
- 5. September 8, 2026 — Executive Order 98 is scheduled to expire, ending the curfew.
Why it matters
The St. Louis youth curfew affects families with kids 17 and under. If your child is out late for work, school, or city events, they're exempt. But for other late-night activities, plan ahead. The curfew is in place every night, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., until September 8.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
