A new Parental Guidance Policy begins today, Monday, September 28, at Westfield Wheaton and Westfield Montgomery malls, requiring visitors under 18 to be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or chaperone age 21 or older after 3pm daily.
The policy will be in effect from 3pm until closing, seven days a week, and applies to interior and exterior common areas at both malls. According to signage now posted at the malls, one supervising adult age 21 or older may accompany no more than four minors, and all minors must remain with their supervising adult at all times.
Supervising adults may be required to present valid identification and individuals unable to provide acceptable ID may be asked to leave. Acceptable identification includes a valid driver’s license or identification card, military ID or passport and must include a photograph and date of birth.
Westfield previously told The MoCo Show that mall security will enforce the policy through security presence and identification checks. The posted policy states that unaccompanied minors without proper supervision after 3pm will be required to leave the property or immediately reunite with an eligible supervising adult. Refusal to comply or repeated violations may result in removal from the property, a ban or trespassing enforcement by the Montgomery County Department of Police.
The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) previously told The MoCo Show that enforcement remains the responsibility of the malls. Police would become involved only when necessary, such as when an individual needs to be trespassed from the property.
The signage also states that supervising adults are responsible for the conduct and behavior of the minors in their care. An exception may be made for juveniles working at the mall and during legitimate emergencies, with visitors directed to the mall’s security office for additional information. Westfield also notes that hours and other aspects of the policy may be subject to change, including during the holiday season.
The policy follows several incidents at the malls in recent months, including a July 31 shooting inside Westfield Wheaton. Police said a 17-year-old fired a handgun at a group of teenagers near Cinnabon and a children’s play area, striking a 13-year-old boy in the ankle. An armed mall security officer apprehended the suspect until police arrived.
Westfield said the new policy is intended to help maintain a comfortable, safe and family-friendly environment for shoppers, dining guests and other visitors.
