KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) — Woodland Mall says it is introducing a parental supervision policy in response to concerns from the community.
For now, the policy will be in effect after 6 p.m. each Saturday, though leaders say the hours could expand in the future. The Kentwood mall is open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays.
Under the policy, everyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 21 or older. One parent or guardian can accompany all of their children, the policy states. Alternatively, one parent or guardian can escort up to four people under age 18, at least one of whom must be their own child. When the policy is in effect, any unaccompanied minors must either be joined by a guardian or leave the mall altogether.
The measures are a response to “concerns raised by both shoppers and local authorities about unsupervised minors gathering in large groups,” according to a release from the mall.
Security officers will enforce the policy, which applies to the entirety of Woodland Mall, including parking lots and garages.
The new requirements take effect for the first time on Saturday, Dec. 7. You can read the full policy on the mall’s website.