New Family Friendly Policy at Central Mall is Working

photos by Jeff Easterling

Management at Central Mall in Texarkana has enacted and is strictly enforcing a new "Family Friendly" policy that has really made the shopping experience on Friday and Saturday evenings a lot more pleasant than it had been in the past.

You can see the signs at all entrances declaring that any shoppers under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by and adult of at least 21 years of age on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. With the new policy there is a code of conduct that all must follow at all times.

• Appropriate attire is required at all times. No exposed underwear, baggy pants below waistline, gang colors, or clothing that is obscene or offensive in nature.
• Gang related dress and activities are strictly prohibited. No disorderly, disruptive conduct or behavior that endangers others.
• No loitering, blocking store fronts, or walking in groups.
• No defacing, damaging or destroying any property belonging to the mall, it's patrons or tenants.
• Consumption of alcohol is prohibited on the property.
• The mall is a non-smoking facility; smoking permitted in designated exterior locations only.
• No firearms or other weapons allowed on the property.
• No distribution of literature, solicitation, demonstrations, or picketing allowed without prior written permission from the mall management office.
• No pets allowed except for those aiding handicap visitors.

On a recent Friday evening at the Mall, it was not very crowded at all. I know there is not a lot for kids to do around town on the weekends, but it was pretty annoying trying to make a quick trip to the mall when it was the local teen hangout.

For more information contact the mall management office or contact them at CentralMallTexarkana.com.