Teen Curfew On The Bagnell Dam Strip Gets Approved By City

LAKE OZARK, Mo. — Teens will soon have a curfew on the Bagnell Dam Strip after city leaders unanimously approved an ordinance aimed at addressing late-night issues involving unaccompanied minors.

The Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen approved the ordinance Tuesday, establishing a curfew for minors from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. within the city's C-1 zoning district.

The affected area begins near Lake Ozark Christian Church and extends to the city limit near Bagnell Dam. City Administrator Harrison Fry clarified that the curfew zone includes the entire C-1 district, meaning it extends beyond properties immediately along the Strip in some areas. The boundary could also change in the future if neighboring properties are rezoned.

The final ordinance includes several changes from the version considered by aldermen last month. The proposed start time was moved from 10:30 to 11 p.m., and provisions that would have held business owners responsible for minors remaining in their establishments after curfew were removed.

The ordinance is primarily intended to address unaccompanied minors. Those accompanied by an adult who has lawful custody over them — such as a parent, sibling, or friend's parent — are exempt from the curfew. Other exceptions include minors who have legitimate reasons to be in the area during curfew hours, including work.

A first violation will result in a warning, while subsequent violations can carry a $500 fine.

The curfew was initially proposed earlier this summer amid concerns from Lake Ozark Police about the number of teenagers spending time on the Strip late at night and attempting to enter bars with fake IDs.

Police previously indicated that security personnel at Strip businesses regularly confiscate fake IDs during busy summer weekends. The department has said the curfew won't eliminate all of the late-night issues officers encounter, but could help reduce the number of unaccompanied minors in the area.