Lenox Square requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult after 3 p.m.

After a rash of shootings which have turned this one time luxury mall into a shooting gallery, Lenox Square announced that beginning Sept. 21, it will require visitors under 18 years old be accompanied by and remain with an adult age 21 or older after 3 p.m.

A news release sent out by the company said, “The program is in response to feedback from the community and community leaders, as the center reinforces its commitment to the community to provide a pleasant, family friendly shopping environment.”

According to the release, unsupervised guests under age 18 must leave the property by 3 p.m. or immediately be joined by a parent or adult age 21 or older. One adult may accompany up to four minors but all accompanied minors must remain with the adult at all times. Adults are responsible for the actions of all of the youth they accompany.

It goes on to say that acceptable proof of age may be required for the youth or adult. Individuals who lack acceptable identification, or do not abide by the shopping center’s Youth Supervision Policy will be asked to leave the property. Acceptable identification includes a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card, or a passport. The identification must include a photograph and date of birth. Those without acceptable identification will be denied entry or asked to leave the property.

Lenox is not alone in its efforts to change the experience shoppers have at their property. Atlantic Station and the Mall at Stonecrest both require adult supervision. For Atlantic Station, it starts at 6 p.m. and for the Mall at Stonecrest, it starts at 4 p.m.

Two shootings occurred at Lenox Mall this summer. Police say two teenagers shot a mall security guard June 13 after attempting to rob him after hours. The guard was left with injuries and survived. On August 16, a man was shot near one of the mall parking decks. 

In 2020, at least six shootings took place at Lenox Square. The ongoing crime has damaged Lenox Mall’s image as a family friendly place to shop and dine. Owners hope this new policy will reduce crime and make families feel safer at Lenox.