Destiny USA issues reminder about policy on parents and teenagers

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon on Wednesday signed an executive order directing all malls, including Destiny USA, to close, effective 5 p.m. Wednesday. The order seeks to keep the county “ahead” of the coronavirus situation to “flatten the curve” through social distancing. The order also applies to ShoppingTown Mall in DeWitt and Great Northern Mall in Clay. (Eric Reinhardt / CNYBJ)

The policy now mandates that all guests aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian (aged 21 years or older) when visiting during all operational hours, “every day of the week.”

The enhanced policy also provides the Syracuse Police Department with greater authority to arrest and hold juvenile offenders accountable for violations of the center’s rules of conduct.

In addition, Regal has also updated its parental escort policy with the reopening of its cinemas at Destiny USA. Starting Friday, anyone 17 and under will be required to be accompanied by an adult after 6:00 p.m., “every day of the week.”

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“Our efforts with this policy to ensure all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience have been embraced by our tenants and guests,” Rob Schoeneck, general manager of Destiny USA, said. “We’re incredibly thankful for the tireless efforts by our security team, community partners and local law enforcement agencies that make Destiny USA a year-round family-friendly destination.”

Destiny USA first implemented its PEP in 2003 as part of the center’s safety protocols. In addition to its PEP, Destiny USA also created additional space on its fifth floor for the Syracuse Police Department’s on-site officers, providing the officers with a “more expansive, functional” work area.

Destiny USA says it attracts roughly 26 million visitors every year. It notes that “while the overwhelming majority of visitors act responsibly, a very small percentage are responsible for isolated disruptions.”

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Eric Reinhardt: