Two Houston shopping malls are implementing temporary curfews on most teenagers, barring entry to those under 18 unless they’re accompanied by an adult over 21.
Willowbrook Mall on Houston’s northwest side began the practice last weekend, asking people under 18 to provide proof that they’re over age 17 between the opening time of 11 am and closing time after 9 pm.
They promised to repeat the precautions this weekend and have been placing extra security on duty.
The measures came in response to social media posts that suggested a real potential for large and unsupervised gatherings sometimes called flash mobs, sometimes deemed by witnesses to be melees or small riots.
The concerns spread last week to other areas, with Memorial City also calling for temporary curfews for those under 18.
In a news release, the mall’s management said, “out of an abundance of caution following awareness of social media posts referencing a potential unauthorized gathering on Saturday, May 9. Any unauthorized gathering or event to disrupt the shopping environment will not be tolerated.”
Memorial City said it intends to limit shoppers under 18 to those who are accompanied by a parent or guardian over 21 years of age again on Sunday from opening time until closing.