Officials at the City of Myrtle Beach issued a stricter curfew for minors for the Fourth of July weekend Tuesday morning following a deadly shooting at a popular restaurant on Ocean Boulevard Friday

WMBF reported that Myrtle Beach City Manager Fox Simons signed an executive order that expands the juvenile curfew in certain parts of the city, in an effort to curb youth violence. 

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The executive order declares that the curfew will be in effect from Wednesday, July 2 through Monday, July 7.

The curfew is for people under 18 and will run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. within the "protection zone," which includes much of Ocean Boulevard and the downtown area.

During those hours, people under 18 are not allowed without parent/guardian supervision in public places within the zone, all city parks and city facilities. There are exemptions from the curfew under a few circumstances such as responding to an emergency or returning from work. 

WMBF reported that a 17-year-old employee at Peaches Corner is charged of shooting and killing another teenager inside the restaurant during a fight Friday night, leaving many wondering how to solve the issue of violence during popular travel seasons to the beach. 

"We will not let it define who we are," said Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune. 

Outside of the protection zone, the city's existing juvenile curfew will remain in effect from midnight until 6 a.m.

Assistant City Manager Josh Bruegger said it’s a good step but not the final fix.

“To say, you know, a curfew ordinance is just going to be the magic fix-all, it’s not. There are other downstream parts as well,” said Bruegger.

Bethune added she believes the bigger issue isn’t limited to the Grand Strand.

“This is not just a Myrtle Beach issue; this is a societal issue, and we have young people getting guns that they should not be allowed to have,” said Bethune.

Bethune said the city council is now working to find some more permanent solutions.

She said one way business owners can help is by evaluating their policies and, if needed, updating those policies on who can carry a weapon into their establishment.

Bruegger said, though, that it’s complicated.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem, and again, this is bigger than just Myrtle Beach,” he said.

Bethune encourages folks to come and enjoy the city because she said safety is the bottom line.

“We want people to come here, we want people to feel and be safe, and we’re doing everything we can to make that happen,” said Bethune.