Are Target Stores in Idaho Banning Kids from Stores?

Many of us remember being kids and the days of going into stores and hiding in the clothing racks, bouncing a ball down the aisles, and perhaps playing tag or hide and seek with our siblings or friends. Kids will be kids, but when teenagers are continuing this behavior and without adult supervision, it isn't as cute and acceptable. They become more of a disturbance and are more destructive than the little kids doing similar things. Some stores have taken action to prevent this behavior by banning customers under the age of 18 from coming into their stores without an adult, and Target could be the next store to do so in Idaho.

Target Banning Minors From Stores in Idaho?

Recently, a post on Magic Valley Rants and Raves mentioned teenagers being disrespectful and disruptive at Target in Twin Falls, with video evidence being posted of their actions, and it had many feeling a certain way. You can browse through the Facebook group if you want to see the video. It is actions like these kids though that have caused some Targets in the country to ban minors that are not accompanied by an adult from their stores. Recently, two stores in the Chicago area posted the signs you see above, and require adult supervision. With a couple of stores in a major market having this policy, how long until other stores around the country follow, including stores in the Gem State? 

Can Stores Ban Minors from Shopping?

While stores have the right to ban minors without adult supervision, should they be able to? Stores like Walmart and Target have had stores adopt this policy, but is it discrimination? For teens that are 16 and 17, who can drive and work jobs, why should they not be able to come in and spend their money in the store? As one person brought to my attention, when these stores are near high schools, some students may need certain hygienic products, and they shouldn't be denied because their mom or dad isn't with them. Would it not be better to hire an extra security guard or two, instead of banning an entire demographic? Eventually, those minors will get older, and because of this ban, may decide to not support the business in the future, all to keep a few bad apples out of the store. 

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As for now, no stores in Idaho have appeared to adopt this policy, but how long until one of them does? If one store decides to go that route, it will likely spread through the Gem State and soon all Targets could require minors to have an adult to enter the store. Is it fair and right? No, but they have the right to keep out certain shoppers. Things may get interesting with Target in the future.