Mall implements 'youth escort policy'

By: Adam Marshall

CINCINNATI - As you walk through the doors at Tri-County Mall on a Friday or Saturday night you'll now see security guards checking identification for everyone who looks under 25.

It's all part of the new Youth Escort Policy.

The new rules require anyone under the age of 18 to have an escort with them 21 years of age or older.

The policy applies every Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to close.

Management at Tri-County Mall says it should make for a more pleasant shopping experience for their customers.

"Being youth, and being in large numbers unsupervised, they tend to get loud and rowdy and detract from a comfortable shopping atmosphere.,” said General Manager Michael Lyons.

To enforce the rules, there will be extra security at every entrance of the mall.

Some customers say the new rules are not necessary, while others agree with what mall management is trying to do.

"To this extent? Wristbands and security at every door, it's not fair. It's not right,” said 18 year-old Jahnise Bowie.

"Doing nothing but hanging out that that can be disruptive and therefore I'm OK with that part of it. But on the other hand, if you have a teenager that is here to shop, and that person is here to just pick up an item or two, I think he or she should be able to do that as well," said customer Derwin Jamison.

Management says they understand not everyone will be thrilled with the new policy, however the long-term effect on mall business should be positive.

"I think it's important to remember that this program is only going to be in place Friday evenings and Saturday evenings. There are five other days when the program isn't going to be in place at all," Lyons said.

Other facilities in the area do have similar policies, however none are this strict.