Sentiment On New Oklahoma City Bricktown Curfew Mixed

Sunday, September 3rd 2006, 5:20 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The new youth curfew in Bricktown was a hit with some adults in the entertainment district this weekend, while a few teenagers were anything but thrilled with the requirement that they leave the popular area by 11 p.m.

``It's not a good idea,'' said Ylan Pham, 16, of Oklahoma City, as she walked to the Harkins Theatre with her boyfriend, Tony Nguyen.

``It's not like we want to do anything bad down here,'' said Nguyen, 16, of Oklahoma City.

The Bricktown Association asked the Oklahoma City Council for a new curfew after a July shooting that was blamed on two minors.

Tuesday, council members enacted the curfew, banishing anyone under 18 from Bricktown and areas extending south to the Oklahoma River.

Violators could face penalties such as community service or a fine, Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty said. However, exceptions are in place for minors who are with an adult or who can produce a ticket stub to a late ball game or movie.

``I'm an elementary education teacher, and I support it,'' said Anna Gosnell, 30, of Amarillo, Texas, who was visiting Bricktown with her husband Friday night.

``I would have done a lot less damage when I was a kid if I'd had to be home,'' said Anna's husband, Jeremy Gosnell, also 30. ``This (curfew) should cut down on vandalism. What else are they (minors) going to do after 11 p.m.?''

``I don't understand why they gave us a curfew,'' said Jacob Reynolds, 17, of Norman. ``But all I do know is I'm going to be out of here by then (11 p.m.). I'm not going to get a ticket for it.''

``I think it's not really necessary,'' said Kyle Grabeneauer, 16, of Norman. ``Midnight is OK for anyone under 18. I don't see why only a certain spot needs a curfew; it should be for everywhere.''

Police had no immediate word on how many curfew citations have been issued.