Knott’s Berry Farm Implements “Chaperone Policy,” Dress Code For Teens After Weekend Melee
By Bruce Haring
UPDATED with latest: Responding to a brawl among teenagers that forced the park to close early on Saturday night, Knott’s Berry Farm announced today a “chaperone policy” that will require all guests aged 17 or under to be accompanied by a 21-or-older chaperone throughout their visit to the park on Fridays and Saturdays.
Any teens found unaccompanied in the park on Fridays or Saturdays “will be subject to ejection” under the policy, which will take effect Friday.
The policy follows an outbreak of violence among unruly teens around 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Police said they initially responded to the park on reports of shots possibly being fired, but investigators determined no gunfire had occurred.
The disturbance was attributed by the park to “unruly behavior and altercations involving a number of teenagers.”
Video circulated on social media showed a melee of brawling teens that sent many park visitors scrambling for safety. Two people were taken to hospitals for treatment.
The disturbance prompted the park to close three hours early.
Knott’s announced the chaperone policy
on its website, stating, “For decades, Knott’s Berry Farm has been a place where families and friends come together to enjoy our one-of-a-kind park. Millions of guests have counted on us for their daily dose of wholesome family fun, and we’re committed to keeping that promise going forward.”
Local Gen X-ers might remember a simpler time in the early ’90s when teens flocked to the park’s Studio K to dance and romance without mom or dad present. Saturday’s tumult and the resulting policy makes that memory seem even more distant.
Under the policy, one chaperone can accompany as many as three teens, but the chaperone must “remain with their party at all times during their visit to the park and be available by phone throughout their stay.”
Interestingly, the new rules also curtail “Line Breaking – [which] includes leaving and re-entering a line for any reason or place holding in line.”
The announcement also details a dress code:
Attire and accessories must meet Code of Conduct dress requirements and may not be offensive or violent and may not disrupt the general safety of guests or associates. Guests wearing character-themed outfits may not sign autographs for other guests or represent themselves as a park associate. Costumes that conceal identity are prohibited. Rides and attractions may also have additional restrictions on dress attire. Themed outfits/attire may be prohibited during evening Halloween events.
The policy will be in effect “until further notice” and also applies to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark across the street.
