New rule at Mall of Louisiana requires people under 18 to have adult supervision
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Anyone under the age of 18 will need an adult to accompany them to the Mall of Louisiana two days a week starting at the end of June.
According to the Mall of Louisiana, the new policy will go into effect starting Friday, June 28, and remain in effect on Fridays and Saturdays after 4 p.m.
“It makes me kind of sad. I got to do that on the weekends,” Kace Taylor, a shopper said.
Taylor, 16, said sometimes the good must suffer for the bad.
“Stop making it hard for us. I just want to have fun at the mall and buy some stuff and spend my money,” Taylor said.
The new rule is part of the Parental Guidance Required program, which requires all guests under 18 to have a parent or supervising adult who is at least 21 with them at the mall. It will be enforced on the mall’s property, including the parking lot and exterior sidewalks.
“I want to stress that everyone is still welcome at our center, but on weekends moving forward we require families to shop together,” Gene Satern, senior general manager of the Mall of Louisiana said.
Keara Field, assistant manager at Zumiez, said the mall is taking necessary precautions.
“A situation probably about a month ago, the whole mall had to shut down because of some kids acting crazy. So, it will definitely help with that,” Field said.
Trained public safety officers will be at mall entrances to check IDs of visitors who look younger than 18. If someone cannot show a valid photo ID, they will need a parent or supervising adult, according to the mall’s news release.
Mall of Louisiana spokeswoman, Ali Phillips, said enforcing the parental guidance is not from a specific incident. She said the mall is just taking proactive measures.
Phillips said the mall’s goal is to eliminate risks and ensure the safety of all guests.
“The PGR program is intended to help provide a safe and peaceful experience at our shopping center. While everyone is always welcome at MOL, during PGR hours, we now require families to shop together,” Ali Phillips, Mall of Louisiana spokeswoman said.
Valid identification that will be accepted includes a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card or a passport.
Additionally, one adult can accompany up to four youths and stay with them during their shopping visit.
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Optional wristbands will be offered to those who give proper identification showing they are at least 18. If someone who is offered a wristband does not wear it, safety officers could be asked for their identification again inside the mall.
Mall officials said announcements will be made starting at 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays before the program hours begin.
The Mall of Louisiana is located at 6401 Bluebonnet Blvd.
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