THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, August 15, 1996             TAG: 9608150011
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A18  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   55 lines

WHY AREN'T THEY AT HOME?

Regarding ``Is Beach getting too rowdy?'' by Dave Addis (MetroNews, July 28): While I agree with Addis that the problems on the beachfront at night are a reflection of our society, he failed to address city curfews. Why doesn't anyone address this issue? Obviously those in the age groups he primarily addresses are out beyond the city's curfews? Are these individuals not bringing in precious tourist dollars? I would guess not!

Maybe the Beach should publish in your newspaper the law concerning its curfews, including penalties - and, enforce the law. An interesting concept! Where are the parent(s) or guardian(s) of these children? Maybe we should hold the parent(s) or guardian(s) directly responsible and require them to appear with their offspring in front of the authorities, in the middle of the night.

There are laws governing behavior in public. You will find a word such as ``indecency'' in those laws - whether verbal or through gesture. There are also laws governing the volume of music and loud, boisterous behavior. ``Disturbing the peace'' comes to mind. If the laws cannot be enforced as currently written - we should be innovative and change them or make new law.

School Board member Delceno C. Miles indicates there is no place for the age group of 14 to 21 to go after 9 p.m. What about home?

Virginia Beach officials need a wake-up call! The carrot is in front of their nose. Constituents are pointing the finger in their direction. Yes, others are looking to Virginia Beach.

C. A. CASH

Virginia Beach, July 28, 1996

Regarding ``Is Beach getting too rowdy?'' by Dave Addis (MetroNews, July 28): While I agree with Addis that the problems on the beachfront at night are a reflection of our society, he failed to address city curfews. Why doesn't anyone address this issue? Obviously those in the age groups he primarily addresses are out beyond the city's curfews? Are these individuals bringing in precious tourist dollars? I would guess not!

Maybe the Beach should publish in your newspaper the law concerning its curfews, including penalties - and, enforce the law. An interesting concept! Where are the parents or guardians of these children? Maybe we should hold the parents or guardians directly responsible and require them to appear with their offspring in front of the authorities, in the middle of the night.

There are laws governing behavior in public. You will find a word such as ``indecency'' in those laws - whether verbal or through gesture. There are also laws governing the volume of music and loud, boisterous behavior. ``Disturbing the peace'' comes to mind. If the laws cannot be enforced as currently written - we should be innovative and change them or make new law.

School Board member Delceno C. Miles indicates there is no place for the age group of 14 to 21 to go after 9 p.m. What about home?

Virginia Beach officials need a wake-up call! The carrot is in front of their nose. Constituents are pointing the finger in their direction. Yes, others are looking to Virginia Beach.

C. A. CASH

Virginia Beach, July 28, 1996 by CNB