The curfew and alcohol prohibition are part of the city’s proclamation of a state of emergency in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

Mayor Emery Doughtie read the proclamation at a press briefing at city hall.

The curfew will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Thursday and will remain in effect until the police chief lifts it.

Effective at 9 p.m. on Thursday there shall be no sale, possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage during the state of emergency except possession or consumption on a person’s own property. The prohibition includes beer, wine and spirituous liquor.

Also on Thursday starting at 9 p.m. the transportation, possession, sale or purchase of any dangerous weapon or substance while off one’s property is prohibited. “This restriction does not apply to any individual or group of people who has the responsibility for the preservation of the public’s health, safety or welfare.”

The restriction does not apply to any law enforcement officers, military personnel assigned for hurricane disaster duties, emergency medical personnel or any other individuals whose job or employment will assist with the public’s health, safety or welfare including jobs such as fuel delivery, utility delivery and other similar jobs.