The Fashion District in Philadelphia introduced a new curfew for children and teens under 18 on Monday, requiring them to be supervised by an adult 23 years or older from 2 pm each day after 2 p.m.
At Tuesday night’s mayoral debate, candidates were quizzed on their opinions of a new policy proposed by Mayor-Elect Andrew Nannicollias and were given time to respond. Some supported it, while some expressed skepticism; one candidate even seemed confused by the question being posed to them.
It’s a new policy.
Fashion District Philadelphia is a popular shopping destination in Center City, offering shoppers access to diverse stores. Recently, however, there has been an increase in hostile activity, such as disturbances involving unaccompanied youth. Therefore, starting Monday, visitors under 18 won’t be permitted to enter after 2 p.m. without parental supervision or adult over 23. This policy aims to deter harmful activities and will remain in place until further notice.
Fashion District Mall has implemented a new curfew and increased security measures, including asking shoppers and employees to show proof of age upon entering. Anyone appearing underage may be approached by security or law enforcement personnel; employees under 18 will still be permitted to work beyond curfew hours but will need to show evidence of employment.
Tim Jimenez of KYW Newsradio reports that the Fashion District has implemented an afternoon curfew for individuals under 18 starting Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. This new policy comes in response to recent disturbances involving unaccompanied teenagers causing large crowds around malls; police had to disperse large groups by dispersing police lines through malls.
CBS News Philadelphia interviewed a store employee from Philadelphia’s Fashion District who expressed relief that this new policy had been implemented. They frequently see large groups of teens entering stores to steal products; with an enforced curfew, they believe this behavior can be curbed.
On Tuesday evening’s debate at Holy Family University, several Philadelphia mayoral candidates were asked about the Fashion District curfew policy, and some appeared supportive. In contrast, others seemed to be doubtful or even misunderstood it. Their answers provided insight into their thoughts ahead of their primary election in June.
Former Councilmember Cherelle Parker did not support the policy and instead focused on her plan for increasing community policing. According to Parker, curfews would no longer be necessary if patrols increased, particularly on foot and bike patrols.
It’s a response.
Last week, Philadelphia Fashion District implemented a policy change prohibiting minors without an adult chaperone from entering after 2 p.m. This comes after police had to call out large crowds of unaccompanied teens at both locations near downtown. Hopefully, this new policy will help mitigate lousy behavior that led police to call them to disperse large groups. Still, more must be done by Philadelphia’s next mayor to keep young people safe outside schools, recreation centers, and public buildings in Philadelphia.
It’s a solution.
Philadelphia’s next mayor must increase police presence and offer more free places for young people to go to address issues that led to a curfew at Philadelphia’s Fashion District mall. Candidates running for mayor were quizzed during a debate last week regarding its new rules regarding who can enter, but each candidate offered both support and criticism of this policy.
Effective Monday, a new rule barring teenagers under 23 from entering the downtown shopping center formerly known as The Gallery after 2 p.m. without being accompanied by an adult of 23 or over has gone into effect, expanding on an earlier curfew that only applied on weekends. Groups of four or more teens will also be refused entrance unless accompanied by an adult chaperone – mall employees may be asked for proof of age, but this won’t impact their ability to work during those hours.
Many shoppers and employees support the new curfew, noting its impact on wild behavior among teenagers in the area. Critics like former City Councilwoman Helen Gym suggest instead that we address what causes teenagers to act out instead of criminalizing them.