Providence Place Mall Enforcing Strict New Code of Behavior

Shopping malls were once a destination for families to shop together, see films, grab a bite to eat and spend happy time away from home.

Things have changed a lot over the years, and many malls did not survive the evolution.

Online shopping is to the malls what the internet is to newspapers, streaming is to CDs, and Smart TV is to cable. Technology has transformed America.

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Why go to a mall when you can order those bobbles and bangles from the comfort of your living room couch?

As anchor stores struggled and crowds thinned, many malls saw young people fill the vacuum. The malls became a place to hang out.

In some cases, trouble has followed.

The Providence Place mall in Providence, Rhode Island, is attempting to do something about it to attract a buyer. A court-appointed receiver has established an "Updated Code of Conduct" for mall visitors.

Providence's WJAR-TV Channel 10 reported the revised code of conduct "highlights 13 items that are prohibited," including congregating, open alcoholic beverages, smoking or vaping, photography or videotaping, apparel that might provoke and free speech activity not authorized in advance.

A new "Youth Guidance Program" takes effect later this month, requiring anyone under 18 to be with an adult 21 years or older after 5 p.m. The station reported that security will check IDs.

Providence Place has made improvements to the mall parking lot and increased security in and around the mall. Mall officials hope the improvements will lure shoppers away from the internet and back to shopping in person again.