Dartmouth Mall Imposing Strict New Rules for Shoppers Under 18

DARTMOUTH (WBSM) — The Dartmouth Mall is implementing a new policy that will restrict when those under the age of 18 can be in the mall without an adult.

A Dartmouth Mall spokesperson told WBSM the new policy is "in an effort to create a more comfortable environment for all visitors."

"This proactive measure is designed to address concerns raised by shoppers about unsupervised minors gathering in large groups, which can sometimes disrupt the shopping experience," the spokesperson said.

Hours and Age Requirements for the New Policy

The mall announced today that beginning Friday, July 3, it is implementing a new Parental Supervision Policy “to provide a secure and family-friendly shopping environment.”

Beginning on that date, anyone under the age of 18 is required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (who is 21 years or older) on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 5 p.m. The policy may also be placed into effect at other times as well, according to the mall website.

The policy not only covers the inside of the mall, but also extends to the parking lot and garages, mall walkways, and any corridor leading to the mall. It does exempt stores with exterior entrances, such as Aldi, Ulta Beauty, Buffalo Wild Wings, etc. A security guard that called into WBSM this morning to mention the policy said that stores with both a mall and exterior entrance such as AMC Theaters, Burlington or JC Penney would also be exempt, but that a security guard would be posted at the mall side entrance of those stores to enforce the policy.

The mall said security guards would begin monitoring those entering the building starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and any unescorted youth at that time must leave the mall or have a parent or guardian present.

ID Requirements and Chaperone Rules

“One parent, over 21 years of age, may escort all his/her children,” the mall said. “Additionally, one parent or guardian, over 21 years of age, may escort up to four youths, at least one of the youths must be the child of the parent or guardian. Parents or guardians are responsible for the actions of the escorted youth.”

Proof of age will also be required “if not easily determined,” and that would include a photo ID from a state agency (such as a driver’s license or state ID), school, or employer that shows date of birth. Both the youth or the parent/guardian could be asked to provide ID.

Even during the hours when youth are allowed to be in the mall unsupervised, the Code of Conduct says that “mall management has the right to prohibit groups of four or more individuals to congregate or walk the interior or exterior of the mall unless the group has appropriate adult supervision.”

What About Those Waiting for a Parent Ride, Bus or an Uber?

Parents will no longer be allowed to just drop their teens off at the mall on a Friday or Saturday night and then pick them up later.

The mall said that those “utilizing public or other forms of transportation must schedule their departure time to ensure compliance with the Parental Supervision Policy,” meaning their ride should arrive before the 5 p.m. restrictions begin.

What Happens If Youth Don’t Comply?

“Individuals in violation of the Dartmouth Mall Parental Supervision Policy or the mall Code of Conduct that refuse to leave the mall when requested to do so by mall security officers may be prosecuted for trespassing,” the mall said.

What About Those Under 18 Who Work at the Dartmouth Mall?

The mall said that youth under the age of 18 who work at the mall will still be allowed access without a parent or guardian when the policy is in effect, but proof of work status will be required. In addition, during those times they must go directly to their place of employment and must leave the mall immediately after their shift is over.

What Else Is in the Dartmouth Mall’s Code of Conduct?

You may not realize some of the restrictions or requirements in the mall’s Code of Conduct, including no “clothing with inappropriate words, phrases or graphics” or “excessive skin exposure.” “We do not allow clothing which may be viewed [as] inappropriate in a family environment,” the mall said.

You also cannot wear anything that deliberately obscures your face, unless “worn in accord with religious practice, tradition or significance,” and “only personal-sized electronics with earpieces/headphones are permitted to be utilized on mall property.”

You can read more about the mall’s Code of Conduct on the Dartmouth Mall website.

The Dartmouth Mall is not the only mall in the area to have a Code of Conduct or restrict the shopping hours for unsupervised minors. Providence Place instituted similar measures back in March of 2025.