South Jersey Malls Enforce Summer Parental Escort Policies for Minors

Two South Jersey malls are implementing their summer policy that requires minors to be accompanied by adults during certain hours of the day.

Understanding the Parental Escort Policy

The policy for three New Jersey malls, including the Cherry Hill Mall and the Deptford Mall, both in South Jersey, is called the Youth Escort Policy or the Parental Escort Policy and was implemented in April of 2025 in an effort to try and crack down on disruptive behavior.

The policy requires visitors under 18 to be accompanied after 4 p.m. until closing by a parent or legal guardian who is at least 21 years old. Violators can be asked to leave the property and may face trespassing consequences if they refuse.

Cherry Hill Mall: Rules and Weekend Enforcement

At the Cherry Hill Mall, the policy is in effect for the entire mall, including the parking lots and garages, mall walkways, and any corridor leading to the mall except stores with exterior entrances.

• Security personnel are responsible for enforcing this policy and the procedures. Security will begin monitoring those entering the center starting at 4pm on Saturday.
• Unescorted youth shopping after 4pm on Saturday must leave the mall or be joined by a parent or guardian.
• One parent, over 21 years of age, may escort all his/her children. Additionally, one parent or guardian, over 21 years of age, may escort up to four youths, at least one of the youths must be the child of the parent or guardian.

Deptford Mall: Curfew Hours and Restrictions

• Visitors under the age the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or a supervising adult aged 23 or older starting at 5PM on Friday through all mall operating hours on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, they must remain in the company of their parent or supervising adult during this period.

Other New Jersey Malls Joining the Trend

One other New Jersey mall, the Westfield Garden State Plaza, has also implemented a Parental Guidance Policy.