The Fashion District imposes afternoon curfew for people under 18

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Fashion District of Philadelphia will soon enforce an afternoon curfew for anyone under the age of 18.

Starting Monday, officials say minors will not be able to go into the shopping outlets without an adult over the age of 23 after 2 p.m.

Because of this, Philadelphia police are standing by on Friday night outside of the Fashion District at 9th and Market streets.

The new curfew is in response to recent disturbances involving dozens of unaccompanied young people.

Just last week, Philadelphia police had to disperse large crowds of juveniles around the area.

"There's so many fights, they just run around over this wall here and police have to come in and clear them," noted Jacob Kramer from Fairmount.

Previously, a similar curfew was in place in the Fashion District, but only for weekends. Now it will be in effect daily.

Fashion District officials say anyone who appears to be 18 or under may be approached by security or law enforcement to provide proof of their age.

Employees who are under the age of 18 and are showing up for work past 2 p.m. will be asked to show identification stating where they are employed. This will not affect their ability to work at the center during these hours.

Action News spoke with employees and shoppers about how they felt regarding the changes.

"With the flash mobs and uptick in violence, I would agree that something has to be done," said William Reid from Center City. "Whether it means curtailing curfews, or whatever it is, but yeah some action has to be taken."

"I think they should be able to come down here and be respectful to other people, if they do that, then it's ok. If they be disrespectful, that's when it's time for them not to be downtown," said Alfred Capps from Southwest Philadelphia.

Some teens said they don't mind asking a parent to go with them to the district.

"You have to ask your parent if you can go with your friends, or you can go ask both and go together," said Payton White from Southwest Philadelphia.

The Southeast Youth Athletic Association's Easter Carnival in South Philadelphia put a similar policy in place after large crowds caused issues. Now, no one under 18 is allowed in without an adult.

On the carnival's Facebook page, officials stated that they increased private security and that more police would monitor the grounds.

Fashion District officials noted they have the full support of the city in implementing this new policy.

The curfew will remain in effect until further notice.