Towson Mall Sets Curfew for Teens on Weekends

TOWSON, MD — Many teens will no longer be allowed in the Towson Town Center unaccompanied on Friday and Saturday nights.

After 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, those age 17 and younger are required to be accompanied by at someone who is at least 21 years of age, according to the new policy. One adult can escort up to four youths.

Read the complete guidelines for the new measure here; it takes effect Sept. 16.

“Everyone is welcome at Towson Town Center at any time – we simply require that during certain hours families spend their shopping time together,” Lisa Bisenius, senior general manager of Towson Town Center, said in a statement. "Providing a pleasant and comfortable experience for our guests is our top priority."

The new policy was "intended to enhance the shopping experience in ways the entire community will appreciate," Bisenius said.

The mall will make announcements at 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays about the policy, and after 5 p.m., security guards including off-duty police will begin checking identification to ensure people inside the mall are 18 years old or are accompanied by someone over 21.

Driver's license, military ID, school ID and passport are acceptable for proof of age, and those who are old enough to be unaccompanied in the mall will receive an optional wristband. Those who do not wear the wristband may be subject to an ID check.

The leader of the Towson business community said that it is supportive of the measure.

“As a community partner the Towson Chamber of Commerce (TCC) fully supports Towson Town Center and its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for its guests,” Nancy Hafford, executive director of TCC, said in a statement. "Towson Town Center is one of the anchors of our community and Towson businesses must work together to ensure its continued success."

Curfews are not new for the area. Other shopping centers have also instituted them.

The day after Christmas 2015, an officer was hit by a rock outside the Towson mall when a large group of youths gathered outside after the mall closed. At the time, Councilman David Marks, whose district includes Towson, advocated for revisiting the idea of a curfew.

"I applaud these steps which will ensure a comfortable environment for everyone who frequents and works at Towson Town Center," Marks said in a statement upon the announcement of the new policy. "Last December I asked General Growth Properties to consider this change to bring the mall in line with other shopping areas. Over the past nine months, we have had several conversations with mall management, and I am delighted by this decision. Towson Town Center is a premier shopping center and this will only enhance the experience for patrons and employees alike."

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