Madison malls may impose weekend curfews for minors

Velena Jones by Velena Jones

Madison’s two biggest malls are expected to announce a new policy Thursday centering around the safety of shoppers.

CBL Properties based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is looking to enhance the experiences at both East and West Towne mall without “fear and apprehension,” according to Madison police Chief Mike Koval.

Koval was responding to a Facebook post written by Michael Johnson, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls of Dane County, asking whether kids under the age of 18 should be allowed in shopping malls on weekends after 4 p.m. without a chaperone who is 21 years of age or older. Johnson quoted a Mall of America policy, as an example: “We welcome all youth to Mall of America; however, on Friday and Saturday evenings, youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older from 4 p.m. until close.”

According to the post, Johnson said a similar policy might be coming to Madison soon.

“I hope the mall owners will take the time to consult with people from the community and their customers before make this policy decision. While this policy might be effective in other cities, there could be unintended consequences for hundreds of young people in our community,” Johnson said in a statement to News 3.

Koval said MPD has had discussions with CBL regarding a new policy, but would not provide details on what would be included in the changes. It’s a discussion that has been ongoing for months, he said.

“They (CBL) have been very intentional in making sure that before they create any new policy that they have done their due diligence to see what is being done elsewhere. From there, they will create a template for success for something that will be balanced and reasonable and will promote better overall mall experience,” Koval said.

Koval said the company plans to talk to mall tenants’ and engage in a public awareness campaign later this week.

Other city officials are also responding to Johnson’s post. Ald. Paul Skidmore, who represents the area where West Towne mall is located, said the post violated a breach of trust between the parties involved.

“I look at this as a breach of trust. There have been discussion about the policy, but CBL is the only one authorized to release the information, which they plan to do tomorrow,” he said.

CBL issued a statement Wednesday to News 3.

“Our goal is always to create a positive and enjoyable experience for all of our customers. While we are not able to comment at this time on the recent rumors, we will be making an announcement within the next few days that is the result of several months of collaboration and consultation with city officials, customers and our retail partners,” a spokesperson said in the statement.

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