Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen tables proposed youth curfew

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen decided to delay its vote on a proposed curfew that would prohibit anyone younger than 18 years old from being on the Bagnell Dam Strip alone during late night hours.

During the meeting changes were made to the ordinance, board members changed the curfew from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. They also decided that business owners with employees younger than 18 years old are exempt from any penalties.

These changes are what lead to Tuesday's vote being delayed. The proposed ordinance would apply to the city’s C-1 business district, which goes from Lake Ozark Christian Church to the Bagnell Dam Strip. If enforced it would run through 5 a.m.

The proposal was introduced on July after Lake Ozark Police Chief James Boren raised concerns about minors attempting to enter bars on the strip with fake IDs.

At that meeting, Boren showed aldermen a stack of fake IDs officers had confiscated from minors. He said the proposed curfew would reduce the number of underage people gathering on the strip at night.

According to city meeting minutes, Alderman Tom Gattermeir suggested schools be notified about the proposed ordinance, if approved. The board unanimously approved the ordinance’s first reading, setting Tuesday’s meeting for the final vote.

The proposal has drawn some opposition. Former Lake Ozark Mayor Dennis Newberry previously spoke against the ordinance on social media saying city officials need to focus on enforcing laws already in place.

The board's next meeting is Aug. 11.