Memorial City Mall becomes the latest mall to implement 'temporary youth curfew'

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Shoppers under the age of 18 will now need to be accompanied by an adult when going into Memorial City Mall, according to a spokesperson.

Memorial City Mall has become the latest mall to implement a curfew and will be checking visitors' IDs this weekend, mall managers said.

According to a release, the temporary youth curfew is being implemented "out of an abundance of caution following awareness of social media posts referencing a potential unauthorized gathering on Saturday, May 9. Any unauthorized gathering or event to disrupt the shopping environment will not be tolerated."

The curfew for Saturday will be in effect from 10 a.m. through closing, and for Sunday, from 11 a.m. through closing.

Shoppers ABC13 spoke with agreed with the change.

"I think it's great. I think security is a big concern for Houstonians and customers in general, and nobody needs to feel like going to the mall or Target or whatever that something crazy is going to happen," Kasey Matthew said. "I don't know if 18 years old has to necessarily be the mark. I know 16-year-olds that can handle their business, but sadly, the ones that make poor decisions ruin it for the rest of them."

Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older, and IDs will be checked.

"Our priority is to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors, retail partners, and the surrounding community," officials said.

Memorial City Mall is the second Houston-area mall to work to curb youth gatherings. Willowbrook Mall officials implemented a similar policy last weekend after saying a youth gathering at the shopping center was organized via social media.