Birmingham’s revised city-wide curfew goes into effect today. The changes in punishment were recommended by Mayor Larry Langford, in order to address recent crimes involving teenagers. Under the new law, all minors 17 years old and younger must not be on city streets between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays or between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekends. First time offenders will be subject to a fine of $500. Repeat violators must appear in court and subject to higher fines, possible jail time or community service for themselves and their parents. As part of the curfew ordinance, police officers will be on the lookout for violators.  “We are increasing patrols all over Southside, especially during the hours between 9p.m. through 6a.m.,” says Captain Jamal McCaskey of the Birmingham Southside Precinct. The measure passed the City Council by a vote of 8-1. Councilor Roderick Royal was the only member to vote against the final version.

Photo: Time’s Up. Sérgio Jardim/Flickr.