The major of Praia a Mare on Cosenza’s coast has imposed a midnight curfew for kids aged 14 and under.
Residents are outraged by nighttime clashes
Nights in the little seaside town on the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza in Calabria have become a nightmare for residents who are forced to endure nocturnal shouting and fighting between groups of young people, many under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Now, the ordinance issued by Praia a Mare’s mayor Antonino De Lorenzo, as reported by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, prohibits kids under 14 from going out from half past midnight to 7 am.
Fines, and suspension of minors from public events
The fines for anyone breaking the rule will be €100 for children and €250 for their parents or guardians. And they will increase by 50% in the event of repeat offenders, and can also lead to the suspension of minors from public events organised by the municipality. Local police officers and carabinieri will be in charge of supervision. “It is a due act linked to security problems. Kids are doing damage, too many are riding scooters,” explains mayor Antonino De Lorenzo
“We designed the law to protect 14-year-olds”
Mayor De Lorenzo does concede that he would be ready to revoke the new law if parents do their duty in full. “We designed and implemented the law to protect 14-year-olds who run around at all hours of the night, assaulting their peers and causing damage to beach property. It seems to be their favourite game!”
