The video above is from WAVY’s 1999 coverage of the MacArthur Center mall opening in Norfolk.
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – As summer approaches, teens out of school are always looking for something to do. The mall has been a popular summer hangout, but in recent years, shopping centers have put stricter curfews in place, restricting the times teens can shop unsupervised.
As 10 On Your Side has learned, the time teens go to the mall matters. Exceptions apply for teens who work at the mall.
WAVY has covered a couple high profile policy changes at local malls. Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, for example, implemented a new chaperone rule that took effect Jan. 1, 2021. It was in response to several incidents involving teens. The general manager at the time said this policy is an effort to “eliminate disruptive behavior by unsupervised youth.”
The City of Hampton sent out a reminder the first week of June about the Peninsula Town Center‘s community standards. The policy restricts unsupervised minors. The parental escort policy was implemented “to provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable Center
environment,” according to Peninsula Town Center. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent at all times, and failure to comply with this policy will result in “immediate expulsion” by security and even law enforcement if needed, the policy states.
In the Hampton Roads area, several policies exist at malls and popular retail hubs that
enforce age restrictions. 10 On Your Side found the following rules for minors at local shopping destinations:
Chesapeake
- Chesapeake Square Mall: Minors under the age of 17 must be accompanied by
a parent or legal guardian after 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. - Greenbrier Mall: Minors under 18 years old are required to be accompanied by
a parent or guardian 21 years or older at all times on Friday and Saturday
evenings after 6 p.m. Unescorted minors shopping prior to that time on Friday and Saturday evenings are required to be joined by a parent or guardian by 6 p.m. or will be asked to leave the property. Additionally, escorts 21 and older are only allowed to escort up to 3 “youths” at a time. Employees who are under the age of 18 are an exception. They may be asked for proof of work status.
Hampton
- Peninsula Town Center: All minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied
by parents at all times.
Newport News
- Patrick Henry Mall: According to the mall’s website, there are no current minor
policies in place. Yet in the code of conduct, it states that, “Mall management has the right to prohibit groups of four or more individuals to congregate or walk the interior or exterior of the mall unless the group has appropriate adult supervision.”
Norfolk
- MacArthur Center Mall: All minors age 17 and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older 7 days a week after 5 p.m. Minors 17 and under and shopping prior to 5 p.m. must leave the mall by 5 p.m. or be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older. All supervising adults 21 and older are only allowed to escort up to 5 minors at a time and must remain with them during the entire visit. Supervising adults can visit the security office that provides wristbands that allow minors to shop without supervision while the adult remains on the property. Employees who are 17 and under are exempt from the Youth Supervision Policy
- Norfolk Premium Outlets: While there is not a direct policy in place for minors, some stores may have specific rules regarding the age of customers who can shop unaccompanied or have specific hours enforcing specific policies. The same rule applies to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, which are both collectively owned by Simon Shopping Centers.
- Waterside District: After 9 PM or during designated special events, patrons must be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid ID. PBR Norfolk is always 21+, with no exceptions.
Virginia Beach
- Lynnhaven Mall: Minors 17 and under must be accompanied at all times by a
parent or supervising adult age 21 or older after 4 p.m. on Fridays and
Saturdays, and Sundays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. These hours are subject to change
during spring break or holiday seasons. You can find updates on the Lynnhaven Mall website, at this link.
Even with the variations of policy, one constant remains the same for the majority of local shopping centers. All minors and supervising adults must have proper identification to
present if asked by security. Proper identification examples include a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, a passport, or a military ID.