Montgomery County malls to implement juvenile curfew

Westfield Wheaton and Westfield Montgomery malls in Montgomery County, Maryland, will implement a new Parental Guidance Policy effective Monday, Sept. 28. The policy requires anyone under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older after 3 p.m. daily. One supervising adult is permitted to accompany up to four minors.

The decision follows several violent incidents at the shopping centers, including a July shooting at Westfield Wheaton where a 13-year-old was injured, a stabbing involving nine teenagers, and a large-scale burglary on Christmas Day. The policy applies to both indoor and outdoor common areas.

Mall security will enforce the rules through ID checks, and unaccompanied minors will be asked to leave the premises. Montgomery County Police will intervene when necessary, such as for trespassing issues. While intended to create a safer environment, the 3 p.m. cutoff has drawn mixed reactions from residents regarding its impact on students after school.