Cleveland Heights issues curfew warning teens to stay out of Coventry area after 6 p.m.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - Teenagers in Cleveland Heights are facing a strict curfew following a string of fights at a street fair last weekend. Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., anyone under 18 years old must be supervised by an adult in the Coventry and Cedar-Lee neighborhood.

City Council enacted an emergency law Wednesday night, effective immediately.

The dramatic new curfew rule follows a rash of fights that broke out last weekend during a street festival on Coventry Road. Witnesses described a chaotic flash mob involving hundreds of kids that disrupted business, stopped traffic and kept police busy. Council members said families were intimidated and businesses were forced to close early for safety reasons.

Reaction on the street is polarized. NewChannel5’s Dan Haggerty has talked to many people with strong opinions who do not want to be identified. Teens tell Dan the 6 p.m. curfew is extreme, especially during daylight hours. They say it’s not fair that everyone is being punished because of the actions of some people.

One business owner said he’s worried about losing clients because of the curfew.

A city worker who asked to remain anonymous said the fighting was crazy and has scared people away from the Coventry area. He warned that something should be done to stop unruly teens from taking over the streets.