Knott's Berry Farm Chaperone Policy Extended After Teen Fights

BUENA PARK, CA — Residents who are under the age of 17 and interested in going to Knott's Berry Farm must do so with an adult chaperone through Halloween as a part of the park's new extended chaperone policy, the theme park announced on its website.

The new rule will be in effect through the park's annual Knott's Scary Farm Halloween event.

The policy was established in July as a result of a brawl among teenagers that prompted the park to shut down three hours early one night.

Originally, Knott's required all guests 17 and younger to be accompanied by a 21-or-older chaperone on Fridays and Saturdays. Knott's soon extended the rule to Sundays, and said other days of the week may be added if necessary, City News Service reported.

"For decades, Knott's Berry Farm has been a place where families and friends come together to enjoy our one-of-a-kind park. Millions of guests have counted on us for their daily dose of wholesome family fun, and we're committed to keeping that promise going forward," Knott's said in a message on its website.

As a part of the policy, the chaperone must show a valid photo ID with a date of birth. One chaperone may accompany no more than four guests ages 17 or younger per day, and chaperones must stay with their party during entry and remain inside of the park during their visit.

Guests 17 years old or younger who are found inside Knott's without a chaperone will be subject to ejection, according to the website.

The policy follows an outbreak of violence among unruly teens at about 7:30 p.m. July 16. The disturbance was attributed by the park to "unruly behavior and altercations involving a number of teenagers."

Video circulated on social media showed a melee of brawling teens that sent many park visitors scrambling for safety. Two people were taken to hospitals for treatment.

Tickets are currently on sale for the annual Halloween event, which runs on select nights from Sept. 22-Oct. 31. More information can be found at www.knotts.com/.

City News Service contributed to this report.