Willowbrook Mall will enforce a youth curfew on two Saturdays in May, requiring teens to be accompanied by adults. Here’s what to know.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Willowbrook Mall will implement a temporary youth curfew on two Saturdays this month, including today.
The curfews are in response to posts on social media that indicate the “potential for disruptive, unsupervised gatherings of youth.” The mall’s owner didn’t elaborate further on what the social media posts were.
The company did say the policy will be in place on Saturday, May 2, and Saturday, May 9 as part of a Parental Guidance Required (PGR) program.
What we know
– The curfew applies to guests under 18 years old
– It will be enforced on May 2 and May 9
– The policy begins at 2 p.m.
– Teens must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older
– The move follows social media activity suggesting possible disruptions
Why the curfew is being implemented
The mall said the temporary policy is being put in place “out of an abundance of caution” following recent social media activity indicating the potential for disruptive, unsupervised gatherings of youth.
Officials said the Parental Guidance Required program is designed to “help provide a safe, peaceful experience at our shopping center for all guests.”
The mall emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and is intended to be temporary.
How the Parental Guidance Required program works
– Starting at 2 p.m., anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult who is at least 21 years old
– Public safety officers will be stationed at entrances to check IDs for guests who appear to be 17 or younger
– Guests without valid ID showing they are at least 18 must be accompanied by an adult to remain in the mall
– One adult may supervise up to four youths and must stay with them at all times
What mall officials are asking from the public
The mall is asking guests and employees to follow its Code of Conduct during the temporary policy period.
Officials said they hope the measure will not need to become a regular or long-term practice, but is being used now to help maintain a safe environment.
The policy is currently limited to the two Saturdays in early May. Mall officials have not indicated whether it will be extended beyond those dates.
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