CHERRY HILL, NJ (KYW Newsradio) — On the day after Christmas when thousands head to malls to shop or return unwanted holiday gifts, the Cherry Hill Mall is once again requiring teenagers to be accompanied by an adult to discourage rowdy behavior.
Per mall officials, for Tuesday, kids under 18 years old must have someone aged 21 or over with them to get into the mall after 4 p.m. Proof of age is required at the doors, and one person over 21 can accompany up to four minors.
The policy stems from a 2017 incident in which there were five arrests as hundreds of teenagers swarmed the mall, fighting each other and disrupting shoppers. Shopper Linda Halpin of Lumberton says she agrees with limiting unaccompanied teenagers.
“I think it’s great,” she said. “My kids are now adults. But even when they were under 18 at that time, we abided by that and didn’t have an issue with it.”
Lisa Wolstromer, the mall’s Senior Marketing Director, said in a statement, the policy was recommended by Cherry Hill police.
“This policy has been in effect since 2018 and has been successful in keeping our visitors safe,” she said. “Cherry Hill Mall prioritizes matters involving the safety of our shoppers and mall employees.”