Chesapeake, Va. - Greenbrier Mall has announced a Youth Escort Policy that will be enforced beginning May 1st.

Under the new policy, any mall visitor under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian over 21 on Friday and Saturday nights after 6:00 p.m.

The policy is intended to help stop the rising number of unsupervised youth hanging out at the mall on Friday and Saturday nights and the related disturbances occurring there.

Greenbrier Mall management is implementing the policy in response to feedback from local government, business leaders, shoppers, and members of the community.

“Many community leaders, shoppers, and retailers have voiced concern about unsupervised youth not using the mall for its intended purpose. This policy will allow us to address this issue,” stated Harvey Lindsay, General Manager of Greenbrier Mall. “Teens and pre-teens are welcome to shop at the mall on Friday and Saturday nights. We are only asking that our youth customers shop with a parent or guardian who is 21 years of age or older during six of the total 72 shopping hours the mall is open each week.”

Teens employed at the mall will be allowed to work after 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and Greenbrier Mall will issue identification to teens under 18 years of age for ease of access to work during these times.