Starting March 1, juveniles looking to visit Torrance’s Del Amo Fashion Center must be accompanied by an adult during certain days and times.
“We are committed to providing a pleasant and family-friendly shopping environment for all of our guests," Simon Property Group, owner, said in a Feb. 23 statement announcing the policy.
Under the new policy, shoppers under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult, age 21 or older, at all times after 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Unsupervised juveniles must leave the shopping center before the designated time or be joined by an adult immediately, the statement said.
The company noted that one adult may accompany up to four youths, and the store has the right to ask for proof of age, including a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID, or a passport.
The company announced the policy following multiple violent fights, smash-and-grab robberies, and shootings at the shopping center.
These incidents, including a brawl in December involving approximately 1,000 minors, led to two injuries, early mall closures, and the shutdown of nearby streets.
Three girls and two boys were arrested following the December melee, which affected at least 34 nearby businesses, according to the Torrance Police Department.
In August, police were also called to the shopping center to disperse a fight involving an estimated 1,000 minors.
Some residents expressed their support for the policy.
“We need a little bit more safety and if that’s the way they’ve got to do it, amen,” said Delight Hernandez, a shopper at Del Amo on Friday, in an interview with Fox News.
However, some said the policy could be unfair to others.
“It’s not fair to the young kids that want to come shopping, and just have a good time, hang out a little bit, talk to girls,” David Holliday, a parent, told Fox News. “Everyone isn’t here just for trouble.”
Another female resident, who preferred not to be identified, echoed the comment.
“The mall is going to lose a lot of revenue, especially the food court and the shopping,” the woman said. “Kids get their money and they get to pick out their own clothes and they go to the movies, so they can’t do that [anymore]. ... The good kids who have nothing to do with all of this, it’s unfortunate for them. It’s like they are being penalized for it.”
Additionally, the company said that employees under 18 can enter Del Amo and work their Friday and Saturday night shifts without an adult, but the policy will apply once those shifts end.
