Malls to bar unaccompanied teens starting Monday, after violent incidents
Two of Montgomery County, Maryland’s largest shopping malls will bar teenagers from entering without an adult starting next week, following a string of violent incidents that included a shooting inside one mall.
Beginning Sept. 28, anyone under 18 visiting Westfield Montgomery or Westfield Wheaton must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or chaperone 21 or older after 3 p.m., or risk being asked to leave. One supervising adult may accompany up to four minors. Adults may be asked to present valid identification, such as a driver's license, military ID or passport.
The policy follows the Aug. 4 stabbing of one teenager, the March 16 assault of another, and a July 31 shooting inside Westfield Wheaton in which a 17-year-old was arrested after opening fire and wounding a 13-year-old boy.
In a statement, Westfield spokesperson Heather Menis said the company is "taking this extra step in our security measures" to protect shoppers and retailers. Similar policies are already in place at Westfield malls in Culver City, California, and at Garden State Plaza in New Jersey.
Reactions have been mixed. "It means kids can't go after school; parents are at work," one person told Fox 5 reporter Homa Bash, adding, "I think it could be very disruptive."
Repeated violations could lead to removal, a ban or trespassing enforcement by Montgomery County police, though exceptions will be made for minors who work at the malls or face emergencies.
