JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — James City County police are emphasizing that they will enforce the county’s curfew for minors around Busch Gardens in the wake of recent violence at the park.
While the curfew was already in place for the county as a whole, JCCPD announced Thursday that the curfew’s being strictly enforced at the park and in the surrounding parking lots.
“Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian by midnight,” police said. “Those who fail to comply or disturb the peace will face law enforcement action. It is crucial that minors are picked up promptly, and parents ensure their children’s full compliance with the park’s Code of Conduct and new Chaperone Policy.”
Busch Gardens’ new chaperone policy, also released this week, requires those 15 years old and under to have a chaperone who’s 21 or older at the park if staying past 4 p.m. That person also has to be available by the phone.
Since the start of this year’s Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens has seen two separate cases of serious fights breaking out, one resulting in an 18-year-old being stabbed on Sept. 14.
James City County’s curfew does make exceptions for emergencies, school events, or when a minor is traveling to or from a job.
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