Memorial City Mall has become the second mall to put in a “temporary youth curfew,” starting Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. until closing and Sunday, May 10, from 11 a.m. through closing, citing safety concerns.
“This measure has been implemented out of an abundance of caution following awareness of social media posts referencing a potential unauthorized gathering on Saturday, May 9,” officials told Chron in an emailed statement. “Any unauthorized gathering or event to disrupt the shopping environment will not be tolerated. Our priority is to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors, retail partners, and the surrounding community.”
The move comes less than a week after Willowbrook Mall put its own curfew, but it was limited to only Saturday after 2 p.m. until closing starting May 2 and again on May 9. Officials previously told Chron the guidance would be temporary, but should the need arise, they left the door open for the curfew to be extended or even be permanent.
During a brief follow-up conversation, a spokesperson for Willowbrook Mall’s parent company told Chron last Saturday’s curfew was “very effective,” but was unable to share any specifics beyond that.
So far, Memorial City Mall is the only one to join Willowbrook in imposing a curfew. Chron has reached out to other Houston-area malls to see if they were considering setting up their own restrictions, but has not heard back.
Meanwhile, the announcement continues to spark debates online with some residents doubling down on shifting behavior among teenagers.
“This is long overdue and the absolute right move,” one user commented on Facebook. “These kids are out of control and it’s because they are being fed, clothed and housed but not parented. It’s sad that it’s come to this but enough is enough.
“We All remember roaming the mall when we were young, but we didn’t dare behave like today’s generation BECAUSE THERE WERE REPERCUSSIONS FOR IT,” another commented.
On the other hand, some residents pushed back on the curfew and questioned how far things could go.
“Ridiculous…why punish all teens??” one user asked. “Just enforce the rules and enforce consequences.”
Some residents, however, have even welcomed the idea of other malls cracking down on unsupervised teens.
“I think it would be great especially at the woodlands mall,” one commenter said. “It’s always packed with unsupervised teens.”
“When kids are behaving like wildebeests, and I’m sorry to insult wildebeests, and parents aren’t being parents, it’s time for drastic action!” another added.