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Teens under 16 will soon need to be accompanied by adults at local mall

BEAVERCREEK — Very soon teenagers under 16 will need an adult to hang out at a local mall.

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The Greene Town Center announced its new “Youth Escort Policy” that will go into effect at 10 a.m. on Nov. 7.

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As part of the new policy, children under the age of 16 must always be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 21 while on the property.

The mall said this is in response to concerns from tenants, residents, and shoppers.

Businesses like Aiden Marrero’s.

He said some teens can take the focus off sales.

“People would come in be a little rowdy, I’m saying kind of a little annoying sometimes,” Marrero said.

Marrero said one group would drive around and be reckless.

“Kids hanging out the windows and kids just yelling and arguing with random people on the street and just starting unnecessary stuff,” he said.

But one parent said this new rule is overboard.

“I would say probably 16 is a little extreme, especially since you could work when you’re younger than that,” Christina Wells said.

The Greene said any unescorted youth will be told to leave the property with security personnel responsible for enforcement.

Employees will need to show a valid ID to security if stopped.

News Center 7 reached out to The Greene to see how it could enforce this on sidewalks but has not received a response.

A security guard who works at the mall said his manager has not specified how this will be enforced.

A full list of regulations can be found here.

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