Chicago Ridge Mall implements new teen escort policy

CHICAGO RIDGE, Ill. (WLS) -- New rules for young people go into effect at Chicago Ridge Mall on Friday. In December, the south suburban mall shut down after a fight broke out between two large groups.

Starting Friday, mall visitors who are 17 years old and under must be escorted by and adult parent or legal guardian that is 21 or older on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mall officials said the policy's goal is not to keep teens away, but to foster a family-friendly environment.

"It encourages families, teens to come to the mall together to use our amenities," said Monica Kalicki, marketing director at Chicago Ridge Mall.

An adult can accompany no more than six teens at a time and must stay with them at all times. Teens who split from the adult will be asked by security to contact that person by cell phone, or leave the mall.

"I think it's not a good policy because I feel like everybody shouldn't be punished for other people's actions," said mall patron Kameron Tucker.

Mall officials say they planned to put the restrictions in place long before a Dec. 27 melee in the food court. The incident quickly escalated after some mall-goers believed shots were fired.

"That incident had nothing to do with our decision process to implement the YSP," Kalicki said.

Chicago Ridge Mall joins North Riverside Mall and Ford City Mall, which both have similar policies. And while the policy could turn away some teen shoppers, Christina Wilson says it makes her feel safer.

"Definitely, definitely. You can't go to the mall and have fun with two little ones iif you've gotta worry about running, and ducking and diving," Wilson said.

Teens who work at the mall will need to show proof of employment if they're working a Friday or Saturday night shift.

Mall officials also said teens can come unattended to watch a movie, but they will not be allowed to linger in the mall or food court. They also said they plan to strictly enforce the new policy.