Cherry Hill Mall To Ban Unaccompanied Minors On Day After Christmas

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Unaccompanied minors will be prohibited from Cherry Hill Mall on Tuesday amid the shopping center's annual efforts to curb disturbances from teens on the day after Christmas.

From 4-7 p.m. that day, all guests 17 and younger will need accompaniment from a supervising adult at least 21 years of age, police said. A parent or adult supervisor can visit with up to four children.

Proof of age will be required for entry during that time.

"The Cherry Hill Police Department and Cherry Hill Mall Management want everyone to have a safe shopping experience," the Cherry Hill Police Department announced on Facebook. "Parents and guardians should not be dropping off their children unsupervised at retail shopping centers. Juveniles not acting responsibly will be escorted from the property and those engaging in criminal behavior will be arrested and prosecuted."

Cherry Hill Mall's policy stems from a Dec. 26, 2017, incident in which hundreds of minors became unruly inside the crowded mall. Five of them were charged with offenses including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

The day after Christmas is typically one of the busiest shopping days of the year, according to Sensoramic Solutions, a company that helps retailers monitor data. Many schools also observe winter break during that period.