White Marsh Mall Teen Curfew Began Friday
WHITE MARSH, Md, (WJZ) -- If you have plans to go to White Marsh Mall Friday night and you're a teenager, you'll need to be accompanied by an adult.
The new mall curfew for teens began Friday night at 5 p.m.
Starting Friday, March 8, a Parental Guidance Required (PGR) program began. Any consumers under the age of 18 will now have to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult who is at least 21 years old. The program extends to the mall's parking lot and exterior sidewalks.
"I think we agree with it because it's definitely necessary. Kids act a fool in here," said Dasmier Mack, 23-year-old.
Last August, there was a brawl at the mall involving a large group of teens. Nine were arrested.
All unsupervised visitors under the age of 17 or without proof of age, are now required to have transportation from the property before 5 p.m. This policy will be in effect 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
"After much evaluation and discussion with our partners at the Baltimore County Police Department and the County Executive, we determined the necessary next step for our security protocol will be to implement a formal curfew program," said Mary Williams, General Manager of White Marsh Mall. "The PGR program will enhance the shopping experience in ways the entire community will appreciate."
Mall officials said announcements will be made inside the mall starting at 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays so unsupervised minors can have time to finish their shopping or dining before PGR begins.
During PGR hours, public safety officers will be stationed at the mall's entrances to check IDs of anyone who appears to be younger than 18. Valid identification includes a state-issued driver's license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card, or a passport. One adult can accompany up to four minors and must remain with them the entire time they are at the mall.
"It is a deterrent when I want to come to the mall and children aren't properly supervised so I think it's a good idea," said Yuneca Deas, parent.
Others disagree.
"I disagree because everybody isn't apart of the trouble that everybody is doing so why does everybody have to take the blame for something that everybody ain't doing?" said 17-year-old Ijah Marine.
"I feel like they shouldn't have made no curfew because that was the only thing we had to do and they took it away," said 16-year-old Shanaya Murphy.
Zion Alfred explains his interaction with security.
"They were like this, well if your mother doesn't come in a minute, we gotta walk ya'll out, and if not, we'll take you to a place where your parents gotta pick you up at," The teenager said.
Announcements will be made inside the mall starting at 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The same curfew is also in effect at the Avenue at White Marsh.
One man offers a solution.
"Give people a card that has a signature from their mother saying they could be out here. That'll be better," said 22-year-old Tierek Johnson
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