Starting Sept. 28, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at Westfield Wheaton and Westfield Montgomery in Bethesda. The new rule will be in effect every day from 3 p.m. until closing.
The change follows a string of disruptive incidents at the shopping malls this year. A stabbing happened inside a Westfield Wheaton bathroom in February. A shooting near the food court in July left a 13-year-old injured. An armed robbery took place outside the mall in August. Westfield Montgomery has also seen its own armed robbery this year.
Hours may change during the holiday season “at the discretion of center management,” according to the policy.
An unaccompanied minor without a parent, guardian or employment with a retailer located at the Westfield shopping malls will be asked to leave the premises after 3 o’ clock in the afternoon when the policy is enacted.
Westfield has posted the full details on ID requirements, supervision ratios and exceptions in its official policy.
