Video: 'Sunset Strip Curfew Riots'
(Saturday, November 12, 1966, 9:00 p.m. PST; during the Sunset Strip curfew riots, part of the hippie movement) — An estimated 1,000 young people gathered along the Sunset Strip tonight to protest strict curfew and loitering regulations, in a demonstration that brought police into confrontation with crowds of rock ‘n’ roll fans and other youths.
The demonstration, centered near Pandora’s Box nightclub at Sunset Boulevard and Crescent Heights Boulevard, drew many young people identified with the growing hippie movement. Actors Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda were among those joining the protest. Fonda was handcuffed by police during the disturbances.
The gathering followed weeks of growing resentment over restrictions imposed by Los Angeles officials on the popular entertainment district, where crowds of teenagers and young adults regularly congregate outside nightclubs.
The regulations, including a 10 p.m. curfew and stricter enforcement of loitering laws, were adopted after complaints from residents and business owners about traffic congestion and disturbances associated with the growing crowds.
Young people have criticized the measures as an infringement on their freedom to gather and socialize along the Strip, which has become a popular meeting place for followers of rock music and the emerging youth culture.
Video: '1966 THROWBACK: "SUNSET STRIP CURFEW RIOT"'
Pandora’s Box, a nightclub at the center of Saturday’s demonstration, faces closure and possible demolition under plans approved by the Los Angeles City Council.
The club has become a gathering point for young people protesting the restrictions. Fliers circulated along the Strip today inviting demonstrators to assemble, and a local rock ‘n’ roll radio station announced the planned rally earlier in the day.
The dispute has also affected other nightclubs in the area. Authorities have taken action against establishments accused of violating regulations governing young patrons, while the Whisky a Go Go, one of the Strip’s best-known rock clubs, recently changed its name to The Whisk amid pressure from city officials.
The confrontation highlights growing friction between local authorities and a younger generation increasingly drawn to the Sunset Strip’s music clubs and alternative social scene.
Business owners and residents have pressed officials to control the crowds, while young demonstrators contend that the restrictions unfairly single them out.
Police maintained a presence as the crowds gathered tonight. Further demonstrations were considered possible as opposition to the regulations continued to build.
