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
"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