Louisville, Ky., – It was a relatively quiet weekend at the Mall St. Matthews—a far cry from a Saturday, December 26, 2015. That’s when a large group of youth began what local news outlets are calling everything from a “riot” to “chaos” to “disturbance” that included fights, yelling, theft and forced stores to close early and patrons to run from the building in fear.
As a result, Mall St. Matthews management instituted “temporary” rules this past weekend. Here’s what was posted on the mall’s Facebook page:
“Mall St. Matthews is launching a temporary Parental Guidance Required (“PGR”) program. Beginning Saturday, January 2, the PGR program will require that, after 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, all mall visitors age 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult who is at least 21 years old. The PGR program is aimed at providing a comfortable, family-friendly shopping experience for all mall guests.”
Local media reports that security guards were posted at entrances to common areas, asking young adults and teens to provide identification. If they “approved” by security, they were afforded a bright blue wristband to prevent further stops by guards.
The new rules are said to be temporary, but no timeline has been announced.
