Florence’s Magnolia Mall Implements New Policy for Minors
Florence is making headlines this week as the bustling Magnolia Mall introduces a fresh new policy that will have a significant change in how young visitors enjoy their shopping experience. Yes, you heard it right! From November 1st onward, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during peak hours. This is a notable shift that aims to enhance safety and comfort for all shoppers.
Why This Change?
The decision to enforce this new rule doesn’t come out of the blue. Local emergency services have received a staggering 433 calls regarding incidents at the mall in just the past six months. That breaks down to more than 16 calls every week! It’s clear that the mall has seen its fair share of disturbances. According to the mall’s general manager, Matthew Quigley, the policy was developed after careful consideration of recurring issues, particularly involving unattended minors.
Quigley explained, “With the policy coming into place, it helps us manage the environment within the mall, especially during peak hours, reducing potential disruptions that may be caused by large groups of minors.” This will not only ease the burden on mall security but also make the mall a more inviting place for families. Sounds like a win-win, right?
What Does This Entail?
The mall is partnering with trained security personnel, as well as off-duty police officers from the Florence Police Department, to keep an eye on things. But don’t worry—this is meant to be a safeguard rather than a crackdown. Most of the calls reported to the police pertained to fights, shoplifting, and general mischief caused by unaccompanied teens. With more eyes on the ground, it’s hoped that troublesome behavior will decrease.
Interestingly, this policy isn’t unique to Florence. Similar guidelines are already in place at Coastal Grand Mall in Myrtle Beach, and the owners of Magnolia Mall, PREIT, have had success with these measures at other locations, such as the Willow Grove Park in Pennsylvania.
Reactions from the Community
Residents of Florence are expressing mixed feelings on social media. While many understand the necessity of the policy for safety reasons, others are lamenting the loss of a space where teenagers could hang out. Comments like, “It’s a bummer for the kids” have been shared widely. However, law enforcement and mall officials are confident that this change will improve the overall shopping atmosphere.
One notable concern raised was about families that may have more than four children. The policy states that there needs to be one adult over the age of 21 for every four minors. But Quigley clarified this, saying, “We want to ensure families can come in together. If you have more than four kids, you’re still more than welcome to bring them all, as long as you supervise them!”
The Bigger Picture
While the nostalgia for the mall as a hangout spot for teens in the ‘90s and early 2000s lingers, the focus now seems to be on providing a premium shopping experience for all, especially families. Quigley added, “We need to provide a comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience for people that want to come, eat in our food court, and shop at our stores.”
As Florence navigates this new chapter for Magnolia Mall, the hope remains that all visitors—especially families—will feel welcome, safe, and above all, secure. Curious about the details of the new policy? You can find more information right on the mall’s website!
