Norwich Township adopts curfew for minors in unincorporated areas

Norwich Township’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt a curfew resolution for unincorporated parts of the township, the trustees said at their November meeting. The resolution sets evening curfew hours for children under 13 and later hours for youths ages 13–17 and authorizes enforcement by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

Trustee James H. Rice moved to adopt the curfew ordinance and the motion was seconded and approved by Trustees Durland L. Workman and Webster D. Junk. The resolution states that violations by persons under 18 may be processed in Franklin County Juvenile Court under Chapter 2151 of the Ohio Revised Code.

The measure applies to the unincorporated areas described in the resolution and contains exceptions for minors accompanied by a parent or guardian, minors on legitimate errands, and members of the armed forces or full‑time students. The clerk said the board would notify county officials and the sheriff of the passage and have the resolution posted as required by law.

Board members said they adopted the curfew to preserve public peace and safety in areas where they have received reports of late‑night disturbances and to provide another tool for local law enforcement. The trustees asked the clerk to inform the county commissioners of the board’s action and to file the necessary paperwork with the Board of Elections and the county administration if required by statute.