Local News
The new policy takes effect Friday, July 3.
Dartmouth Mall is launching a new policy that will require anyone under 18 to be accompanied by an adult during weekend evenings, the mall announced Wednesday on Facebook.
The mall’s new Parental Supervision Policy takes effect Friday and requires visitors younger than 18 to be accompanied by a legal guardian who is at least 21 years old after 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The new policy aims to “create a more enjoyable shopping environment for all,” the mall said in its announcement. According to its website, the policy is also intended to “provide a secure and family-friendly shopping environment.”
The policy applies throughout the mall, including parking lots, garages, walkways, and any corridor leading into the shopping center. Stores with exterior entrances are exempt, according to the mall.
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, security officers will monitor entrances. Anyone under 18 without a parent or legal guardian must either leave the mall or be joined by an adult, according to the policy.
Each adult may accompany up to four minors, provided at least one is the adult’s child. If a person’s age is unclear, security may ask for identification showing a date of birth, per the policy.
Mall management said the policy may also be implemented at other times as needed.
“Parents or guardians are responsible for the actions of the escorted youth,” the mall added.
The policy notes that anyone who refuses to comply with the policy may be asked to leave and could face trespassing charges.
The mall assured on Facebook that the policy will not impact youth mall employees’ ability to work. The policy states that employees under 18 must provide proof of employment and go directly to their workplace during hours when the policy is in effect.
Dartmouth Mall did not respond Wednesday evening to a request for additional comment about what prompted the new policy.
The announcement drew mixed reactions on Facebook.
Some commenters applauded the move, saying it would improve safety and discourage parents from leaving children unsupervised at the mall.
“About time in my opinion,” one user wrote. “The mall is not a babysitter for you to drop your kids off at for a while anyways.”
“This is the best idea ever for the Dartmouth Mall as I am an employee in that mall and having to deal with these disrespectful, preteens and teenagers who have no moral compass nor parental guidance,” another wrote.
Others expressed disappointment by the restriction, recalling the mall as a popular gathering space for teenagers.
“Sad that it’s even come to this. When I was a kid Friday nights at the mall was the place to be,” one commenter wrote.
Some also questioned why teenagers are allowed to work at the mall without an adult but cannot shop there under the new policy, while others wondered whether the rule would place additional responsibilities on mall security.
“Wait. Teen workers are allowed to work unsupervised but not shop unsupervised? So, they’re responsible enough to collect money, but not spend it? That’s … a decision,” one user wrote.
“I support making the mall safer, but it seems like this puts a lot on mall security. Do they have enough staff to consistently enforce something like this?” another commented.
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