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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Cherryvale Mall Unveils 'Youth Escort Policy' To Increase Family-Friendliness

"CherryVale Mall - Rockford, Illinois - Mall Directory" by Flickr User Nathan Bush / (CC X 2.0)

Minors at the Cherryvale Mall will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany them after 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, which is part of the mall’s new Youth Escort Policy.

General Manager Mark Peterson says there will be bumped up security efforts to enforce the policy.

“You will see security officers at every entrance as we implement this program, just checking identification of anybody that looks under 17 and just implementing the program," he said. "So there’s definitely going to be very visible security, as well as police presence.”

Peterson says the changes are an effort toward making the mall a more "family-friendly environment."

“Well, when you have groups of teens congregating, often times when they’re just congregating, the typical 40, 50-year-old shopper can be intimidated by that," he said. "So, even if they’re just standing around or what-have-you. That makes them question, ‘Wow, jeez…Maybe we don’t go back out there the next time.’”

According to the policy, mall employees under 18 can enter without a parent or guardian during affected times, but need proof of work status. 

It also says management can enact the policy outside of normal restrictions as deemed necessary.

The policy goes into effect March 17.

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