Temporary Curfew Program to Begin At Shopping Mall In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — A mandatory curfew program is being implemented during the 2019 holiday shopping season at the Shoppes at Buckland Hills, commonly known as the Buckland Hills Mall.

The temporary Parental Guidance Required (PGR) program will require guests under 18 years of age to have adult supervision after 5 p.m. during certain time periods. The program will begin on Black Friday, Nov. 29, at 5 p.m. and be in effect every Friday and Saturday through Saturday, Dec. 21, according to a written statement from Lindsay Kahn, Senior Manager of Public Relations for Chicago-based mall owner Brookfield Properties.

From Dec. 26-30, adult supervision will be required every day beginning at 1 p.m. The PGR program will be applied throughout the entire shopping center property, including the parking lot and exterior sidewalks.

The same policy is being enacted at the Brass Mill Center in Waterbury, another Brookfield Properties mall.

“In an effort to eliminate disruptive behavior by unsupervised youth and create a family-friendly atmosphere, we made the decision to implement a curfew program for the holiday season," said Virginia Pepe, general manager of the Manchester shopping center. “All are welcome at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills and at all times. We simply require that young guests have adult supervision during certain hours through the duration of the busy holiday shopping season."

Manchester mayor Jay Moran said in the statement, “I would like to thank the mall security and the Manchester police for keeping the safety of our local consumers in mind. Our goal is that every holiday customer has a great shopping experience.”

Manchester Police Chief William Darby added, “Manchester police support the Parental Guidance Required program and we believe it will be helpful in eliminating disruptive behavior that has been experienced in the past.”

During PGR hours, trained public safety officers will be stationed at all entrances of the shopping center to check IDs of visitors who appear to be 17 years old or younger. Those who cannot provide a valid photo ID showing they are at least 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult to stay at the shopping center. One adult may accompany up to four youths (there is no limitation for the number of youths, age 10 and under, one adult can accompany) and must remain with them through the duration of the shopping experience, Kahn said.

Those who provide proper identification indicating they are at least 18 years old will be offered an optional wristband. Those who choose not to wear the wristband may be asked for ID again by safety officers inside the shopping center. Valid identification includes a state issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card, or a passport. The identification must be tamper-proof and include a photograph and date of birth, according to Kahn.

Announcements will be made inside both shopping centers one hour before the PGR Programs begin in effort to provide unsupervised youths ample time to complete their shopping or dining. When PGR begins, public safety officers inside the shopping center will check IDs of individuals who appear to be underage and are not wearing wristbands, Kahn said.