Headed to Memorial City Mall with teenagers this weekend? They will need a chaperone. Mall officials say anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult who is at least 21 years old. The temporary rules kick in Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. until close, and again Sunday from 11 a.m. until close.
Mall management said the move was "implemented out of an abundance of caution" after social media posts referenced a potential unauthorized gathering, according to the Houston Chronicle. The mall is coordinating with local law enforcement and has brought in extra staffing and safety measures for the weekend, the outlet reports.
What Shoppers Will See At The Doors
Visitors who appear to be under 18 should be ready to show ID at the entrances. Those who cannot prove they are 18 will be asked to leave unless they are with an adult who is at least 21, Click2Houston reports. The policy bars unaccompanied minors from remaining inside the mall and applies throughout Saturday and Sunday operating hours. Mall officials say the restrictions are temporary and are meant to keep a safe environment for shoppers, employees and retail partners.
Part Of A Regional Response To Teen Takeovers
Memorial City's move follows a Parental Guidance Required program at Willowbrook Mall, which Hoodline described as a "viral teen takeover buzz" that led to checkpoints and ID checks at entrances. That viral teen takeover buzz and other outlets reported Willowbrook's policy included trained safety officers at entrances and allowed one adult to supervise up to four minors. Retail centers across the region have tightened supervision after social media organized gatherings in recent weeks.
A video that spread online showed two girls fighting at Willowbrook. ABC13 reported Houston police detained and cited both teens. Some parents at the mall told reporters they backed the extra safeguards, with one saying, "Never know what's going to happen. Anybody can get hurt."
Memorial City has asked visitors to follow the mall code of conduct and to be patient with additional screening as staff and public safety partners monitor the property, Click2Houston reported. Shoppers planning weekend visits should allow extra time for possible lines and bring ID if they are 18 or older.
The measures are currently set to be temporary but could be brought back if managers see more social media activity calling for gatherings. Mall guests with questions are encouraged to contact Memorial City’s guest services for specifics before heading out.
