Lake Ozark aldermen approve teen curfew for Bagnell Dam Strip, easing business liability

August 12, 2026 - 08:54

The City of Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen voted unanimously this evening to establish a new teen curfew specifically for the Bagnell Dam Strip. The decision came after a regular session where board members discussed public safety concerns and the growing number of late-night incidents involving minors in the entertainment district.

The new ordinance sets a curfew for individuals under the age of 18, requiring them to be off the Strip during designated late-night hours. While the exact time frame was not detailed in the initial announcement, the measure is designed to reduce disturbances and ease the liability burden on local businesses that have struggled with managing crowds of unsupervised teenagers.

Aldermen framed the move as a balanced approach, aiming to keep the area welcoming for families and tourists while giving business owners clearer legal backing to refuse service or ask minors to leave after hours. The vote was unanimous, signaling strong consensus among city leaders that the current situation required direct action.

Supporters of the curfew argue it will help police enforce existing laws more effectively and give parents a clearer expectation of when their children should be off the Strip. Critics, however, have raised concerns about criminalizing normal teenage behavior and pushing young people into less visible areas. City staff are expected to finalize the enforcement details and post signage in the coming weeks.