The Mall of Louisiana has introduced a new policy requiring all teenagers visiting the mall on weekend evenings to be accompanied by an adult. This change aims to enhance safety and ensure a family-friendly environment for all visitors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the new Parental Guidance Required (PGR) program and how it affects your weekend plans.
Mall of Louisiana New Parental Guidance Required (PGR) program
Starting this Friday, June 28th, any visitor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older if they are at the mall after 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. This rule applies to the entire mall property, including parking lots and exterior sidewalks.
As part of the new policy at the Mall of Louisiana, announcements will be made inside the mall starting at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. These announcements aim to inform unsupervised youths that they have until 4:00 p.m. to complete their shopping or dining before the Parental Guidance Required (PGR) rule comes into effect.
After 4:00 p.m., public safety officers will begin checking IDs of individuals who appear to be under 18 and are not wearing wristbands indicating they are accompanied by an adult. This measure is to ensure that the new supervision policy is being followed, creating a safer and more enjoyable environment for all mall visitors.
Identification and Wristband Policy at Mall of Louisiana
Individuals who present valid identification proving they are at least 18 years old will have the option to receive a wristband. Choosing not to wear the wristband means they may be asked to show their ID again by safety officers while inside the mall. Acceptable forms of ID include a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, military ID, school ID card, or passport. All identification must be tamper-proof and contain a photograph and date of birth.
Official Statements:
Gene Satren, the senior general manager of the Mall of Louisiana, emphasized that the new policy is about encouraging families to shop together. “I want to stress that everyone is still welcome at our center, but on weekends moving forward we require families to shop together,” he stated.
Ali Phillips, a spokeswoman for Brookfield Properties, the mall’s parent company, explained that this measure is a proactive step rather than a response to any specific incident. “The safety of our guests is the highest priority,” Phillips said. She added that this policy has been successfully implemented at other Brookfield properties and aims to maintain an inclusive environment for everyone, including teenagers, as long as they are with adults.
Permanent Change:
Unlike seasonal policies, this new rule is a permanent change and will remain in effect year-round. The goal is to provide a consistent and secure atmosphere for all mall visitors.
What to Expect:
- Increased Security Presence: Security officers will be more visible, checking IDs at entrances and patrolling the property to ensure compliance with the new rule.
- Family-Oriented Environment: The mall encourages families to spend time together, creating a more family-friendly atmosphere on weekend evenings.
- Proactive Safety Measures: This policy is part of a broader effort to enhance the safety and enjoyment of all mall guests.
Tips for Families:
- Plan Ahead: Coordinate your mall visits to ensure that an adult is available to accompany minors after 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Visit Earlier: If you prefer your teenagers to visit the mall independently, plan their trips earlier in the day before the supervision requirement begins.
- Enjoy Family Time: Use this opportunity to spend quality time together as a family, exploring the mall’s shops and attractions.
While some parents welcome the new policy for its focus on safety, others find it inconvenient, especially for older teenagers who value their independence. However, the mall management believes this change will lead to a more pleasant and secure shopping experience for everyone.
Visitors under 18 years of age are required to be accompanied at all times by a parent (or supervising adult) age 21 or older on Fridays and Saturdays after 4 p.m.*
- Visitors under 18 years of age are required to be accompanied at all times by a parent (or supervising adult) age 21 or older on Fridays and Saturdays after 4 p.m.* Parental Guidance Required hours are subject to change during the holiday season.
- Unsupervised youth shopping prior to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays must leave the mall at 4 p.m. or immediately be joined by a parent (or supervising adult) age 21 or older.
- Proof of age may be required for the youth or supervising adult. Those who lack proper identification may be asked to leave the property.
- Valid forms of identification include a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, military ID, school ID card, or passport. The identification must be tamper-proof and include a photograph and date of birth.
- One adult may accompany up to four youths.** All accompanied youths must remain with the supervising adult.
- Supervising adults are responsible for the actions of the youth they accompany.
*Hours and days subject to change. **The limitation does not apply to children 10 and under.
Stay tuned to Baton Rouge Family Fun for more updates and tips on family-friendly activities in the area.
