Published: July 26, 2008 11:54 pm            

Youth Escort Policy at Bonita Lakes Mall

The decision to implement a Youth Escort Policy (YEP) at Bonita Lakes Mall is a well-researched decision based on feedback from meetings with government and business leaders, school officials and members of the faith community throughout the Meridian area.

The issue of unsupervised youth is a community-wide challenge and continues to escalate. Our goal is to return the mall to its intended purpose as a center of commerce that brings quality stores and shoppers together. Malls across the country that have implemented a youth policy have become more family-friendly, convenient and enjoyable shopping places for customers – including teens. I would like to take this opportunity to provide the community with information regarding the policy.

The YEP began on Friday, July 25 and the policy requires all mall visitors under 18 years of age to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, which can include a legal guardian or other parental figure, who is 21 years of age or older at all times on Friday and Saturday nights after 6 p.m. Shoppers who appear to be under the age of 18 and are not with a parent or guardian will be asked by security staff to show valid identification. Proof of age is also required if the age of the parent or guardian is not easily determined. Unescorted youth will be asked to leave the mall premises. Those who do not have transportation will be escorted to a reunion room where they can call their parent or guardian and safely wait for their ride.

Unescorted youth shoppers must remain with their parent or guardian at all times when the policy is in effect. Announcements will begin at 5 p.m. in order to give unsupervised youth ample time to complete their shopping and make arrangements for a parent or guardian to join them or depart the mall.

The policy is in effect for the entire mall property, including the walkways and corridors leading to the mall and parking areas, with the exception of department stores and United Artist Theater Screens. Unescorted youth entering department stores must use exterior entrances and unescorted youth movie patrons will only be allowed to enter the mall at the mall entrance adjacent to the theater. Prior to the movie, unescorted youth movie patrons will be able to purchase food in the food court area, permitting they have already purchased a ticket and can show the ticket if asked.

Youth are very important to us and are welcome to shop at the mall during this time, which is only six of the total 72 shopping hours the mall is open each week, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 21 years of age or older at all times.

I thank you in advance for your support of this policy.



Courtney G. Hall is Marketing Director of Bonita Lakes Mall. E-mail her at Courtney_Hall@CBLProperties.com.

        

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