Municipalities respond to juvenile delinquency with nighttime curfews

Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda - 05.08.2026: The southern French municipality of Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda has imposed a nighttime curfew on unaccompanied minors under the age of 15. Until September 1, they may not be alone in public spaces between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The measure responds to juvenile delinquency and nighttime disturbances that mayors seek to address with immediately enforceable measures.The order in the Pyrénées-Orientales department is not based on a uniform nationwide regulation. Under their general policing powers, mayors may order measures to protect public order, safety and peace. This authority allows for ...