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Six Flags St. Louis opens season under new ownership, direction
Enchanted Parks CEO on unruly patrons: "We will be showing them out the door"
Enchanted Parks is reinstating a mandatory chaperone policy at Six Flags St. Louis starting this Friday, May 2nd.
The decision comes after a large fight among young people broke out on opening day, requiring a response from 30 police officers.
CEO James Harhi told KMOX prior to park opening that his top priority is a "clean, safe, fun" environment. He noted that while he wanted to allow kids to be kids, he has a "very limited set of patience when it comes to unruly behavior."
"If the market proves that they can't behave themselves, then we'll probably have to follow the trend that's going around the industry," Harhi said at the time. That trend is now official policy.
The new guidelines require all guests aged 16 or younger to be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old. Chaperones have to show a valid government-issued photo ID at the gate and are required to stay in the park and remain available by phone for the entire visit. One adult can supervise a group of up to six minors, but they must accompany their party during entry.
Management is also banning face coverings that hide a guest's identity, specifically citing ski masks, "shiesty" balaclavas, and neck gaiters.
Public safety personnel are now utilizing body-worn cameras alongside surveillance cameras as part of what the park calls its 'overall security program.'
"We're not going to put up with anything," Harhi said. "If they're not [respectful], we'll be showing them out the door."
Guests 17 and older should also carry ID to prove how old they are.
