If a proposed curfew is approved by the Villa Rica City Council next week, teenagers will have to be off the city’s streets by 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends or they and their parents could face monetary penalties.

Though exceptions will be made for those coming and going for work purposes and church functions, or those who are accompanied by an adult, those 18 or younger out past curfew without any supervision will receive a warning the first time they’re caught, and monetary fines for subsequent offenses. The parents of habitual violators may be charged as well.

Police Chief Michael Mansour said the proposal is based on studying curfews used in other communities and it is meant to keep children safe and out of trouble.

“It’s just a way to try and keep the kids safer and out of trouble,” Mansour said. “If they’re with their family or something like that, we’re not going to say anything, but when they’re out by themselves or with a group of teenagers they’ll be stopped.”

Though the measure was initiated by Mansour and his staff at the VRPD, Mayor J. Collins is supportive of the action regardless of any detractors.

“Kids are going to be kids, but Chief Mansour is being proactive and I support this proposal 150 percent,” Collins said. “Ninety-five percent of our kids are good kids, but there is that 5 percent who need a little bit of encouragement. It’s a shame we’re having to talk about doing this, but in reality some parents just aren’t doing their jobs and they’re expecting law enforcement to do their parenting.”

Mansour agreed with Collins’ assessment that its not all teenagers who are out late causing problems, but he said in some areas of the city it is beginning to be an issue his officers are dealing with on a regular basis.

“We’re not trying to keep these kids from having fun or hurt these kids in any way,” he said. “We’re just trying to make things a little bit safer. My momma told me if I couldn’t do something by 11 o’clock, I didn’t need to do it and I agree with that. Maybe it will help get them home earlier and they’ll be safer so we don’t have these bad accidents and other incidents with kids involved.”