South Jersey mall’s longstanding chaperone policy gaining attention; here’s why
Know teens who like to hang at the mall?
Well, you may need to hang out with them at this mall.
Deptford Mall is making headlines for emphasizing their weekend chaperone policy for minors.
Despite recent reactions to the rule, it's been around since 2020, said Deptford Mall's Senior Marketing Manager Lori Belsito.
What is the Deptford Mall's chaperone policy?
"Our commitment is to provide the most enjoyable shopping experience for our guests." Belsito said in a written statement.
The mall's policy is as follows:
Visitors under 18 years of age require a parent or adult (25 or older) escort Friday through Sunday night after 5 p.m. They must stay with their accompanying adult at all times.
Unsupervised visitors under 18 years of age must leave the mall or be joined by their parent/escort by 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings.
The mall says that proof of age may be required for both minors and supervising adults. These can be in the form of a state issued driver's license or ID card, a military ID, school ID or passport. Identification must include a photo and date of birth.
Those lacking proper identification will not be granted entry and may be asked to leave the property.
One parent may escort all of their children, but a supervising adult 25 or older is only permitted up to four youths.
This policy specifically applies to the mall's common area and may differ from varying anchors stores, restaurants, and retailers with exterior entrances.
"We welcome shoppers of all ages to visit and enjoy the atmosphere and retail shops of Deptford Mall," Belsito said.
Employees react to Deptford Mall's chaperone policy
Employees at various stores inside the mall were reluctant to use their names, citing individual corporate polices. Most, though, were on board with the mall’s efforts to enforce the chaperone policy.
Round1 is a bowling and entertainment venue with arcade games, billiards and bowling. It also already has a policy in place that doesn't allow minors entrance after 10 p.m. and only those over 21 after 12 am.
An employee said they agreed with the chaperone policy in common areas and said Round1 is reviewing its own policies for kids under 18.
An employee at the Build-A-Bear stall unsupervised kids have caused problems in the past, including disrupting customers and damaging merchandise.
"The kids have been a problem for a while," they said.
Spencer's Gifts, known for clothing and merchandise with a pop-culture bend, also sells things aimed at adults, like shot glasses, cups and adult-themed games.
Employees there seemed to favor mall rules that would keep teens in check, with one saying teens “would yell and take things out of the boxes and either hit each other with them or throw things at each other.”
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier-Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Deptford Mall chaperone policy gaining attention