7News first reported last month that the Mall in Columbia was considering an unusual enforcement, and now it is becoming a reality. Starting Friday afternoon teens and children must be escorted by an adult and visitors must show ID if asked.
This new change applies to anyone younger than 18. The new rule will be enforced Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to close, officials say. The policy includes the entire mall property, including parking lots and sidewalks.
Here's how the policy works:
- One adult can supervise up to four minors and everyone must remain together at all times.
- Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, a military or school ID card, or a valid passport. This will be similar to being carded at a bar.
- Those who are 18 and want to hang out or shop, can obtain a wristband so security guards know they’ve already been cleared.
- Security officers will be stationed at all mall entrances and young visitors who can't show ID and are not accompanied by an adult, will not be allowed in.
Brookfield Properties says unsupervised unruly teenagers and several incidents including brawls and juvenile arrests prompted this curfew.
Over the past several months, mall workers and shoppers have filed "disorderly teen” complaints with mall management. One of those incidents included a brawl with gel guns being fired. Warnings over the shopping mall's intercom system will start at 3 p.m. each Friday and Saturday.
Similar youth curfew or escort policies are already in effect at Towson Town Center, Mondawmin, White Marsh Mall, and The Avenue across the street, all owned by Brookfield Properties.
HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said in a joint statement that the occurrences are concerning and involved youth aged 10 to 18 engaging in "disruptive or dangerous behavior."