
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 7, 1994                   TAG: 9404070121
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS                                LENGTH: Short

BAN ON TEEN-AGERS AT MALL LIFTED

The manager of Patrick Henry Mall lifted a ban on unescorted teen-agers, saying he believes unruly youths have learned their lesson.

"We think it's going to be all right now," mall Manager Roger Brown said Tuesday. "We've let them know we won't tolerate their behavior."

The restriction will end Friday.

On Feb. 18, Brown said teens would not be allowed in the mall Fridays and Saturdays after 6 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Businesses in the mall welcomed Brown's change of heart.

"This is good news," said Aketha Jackson, a saleswoman at one store.

Last Saturday, sales at her boutique, Candy Candy, were brisk until 6 p.m., Jackson said.

"Then, boom! Business just stopped."

Complaints of foul language and unruly behavior by gangs of teen-agers led to the ban, Brown said. He also said mall security officers found teens carrying weapons, including knives, clubs and guns.

With the lifting of the restriction, Brown said, the mall's rules on such things as carrying weapons, running, horseplay, excessive noise and congregating in large groups will be strictly enforced.

by CNB