Westfield Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus has announced that anyone under the age of 18 will no longer be allowed at the mall by themselves on weekend nights.
The new rule, which goes into effect on April 28th, will require teens be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21 or older after 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
According to the new policy, mall officials will be checking id and will ask individuals to leave if they are not compliant. Waiting zones have also been established for those waiting to be picked up and are located at Entrance 1 by AMC Theatres, Entrance 10 on the west side of the property and Entrance 15 by the Food Court.
Westfield Garden State Plaza says its implementing the new rule due to an increase in disruptive and unruly behavior.
“Like many shopping centers across the country, we have experienced an increase in disruptive behavior that violates the center’s code of conduct by a small minority of younger visitors,” the mall said in a statement.
“Taking this extra step in our security measures will ensure a pleasant and safe environment for our families and every member of our community, as well as our retail partners.”
The mall defines “disruptive behavior” as anything that provokes a disturbance or infringes on the rights
or peace of other patrons in the Center, including: gestures; obscenities; slurs based on race, religion, gender,
sexual orientation, or ethnicity; sexually explicit language/conduct; excessive noise or music. Failing to be fully clothed and some apparel may also be deemed offensive.
The policy is not in effect inside the movie theater and guests can enter the movie theater using Entrance 1, or the escalators at Entrance 17. Restaurants and department store policies will vary so guests should contact them directly for more information.
