Shopping centers showing mallrats the door

Since then, the idea has spread across the country, but as it has, some management companies are reconsidering as civil rights and youth activist groups organize opposition. The National Youth Rights Association, a non-profit organization based in Washington, maintains a database of malls that restrict teenage shoppers, and the League of Young Voters organized a protest in April against a curfew at Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee.

Lance-Kashian & Co., managers of The Shops at River Park in Fresno, Calif., suspended plans to impose a curfew this summer after hearing opposition at a series of public meetings with youth groups. Moreover, the city attorney also raised questions about the measure’s constitutionality, an issue that has not been settled by the courts.

Dealing with rambunctious teenagers presents a quandary for shopping centers and malls, many of which have become popular hangouts for teens with few other after-school options.

Teenagers spend more time at malls than any other age group — more than 97 minutes per visit — according to the International Council of Shopping Centers. And while they spend less than other groups, the council said, they still drop an average of $56.50 per trip.

Managers balance commerce and comfort
But shoppers and managers say large groups of teens can also drive away other shoppers. Tower City’s management firm said its policy was an attempt to curb an epidemic of “vulgar language, running, screaming, walking in large groups that obstruct others, fighting, loitering, and disrespecting people and property.”

There is also a larger public safety concern.

In February 2004, four police agencies were called to the mall to quell a disturbance after a fight between two girls in the center’s movie theater escalated into what authorities called a “riot” involving hundreds of 13- to 16-year-olds.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department reported in December that mall security directors named loitering teenagers as their No. 1 problem — ahead of planning for terrorist attacks, shoplifting, burglary and vandalism.

On balance, said Krieger, of Tower City, many mall managers are concluding that it’s worth the loss of vitality and sales from younger visitors to lure back adults and out-of-towners who may be intimidated by loud groups of teenagers.

“The centers that have done this are really seeing their centers go up, and they’re seeing more families wanting to come back,” she said.

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