Knott’s Berry Farm is instituting a new chaperone policy for visitors under 18 years old after a series of fights involving teenagers caused panic and chaos forcing the Buena Park theme park to shut its gates early in order to ensure guest safety.
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Knott’s will implement the new chaperone policy starting Friday, July 22 and it will remain in effect on Fridays and Saturdays until further notice, according to Knott’s officials.
“For decades, Knott’s Berry Farm has been a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of homegrown experiences and immersive entertainment,” Knott’s officials said in a statement. “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.”
Multiple fights involving teenagers broke out on Saturday, July 16 at Knott’s causing the theme park to close three hours early. Reports of gunshots inside Knott’s were unfounded, according to Buena Park Police.
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Video footage of the chaos and panic inside Knott’s showed punches being thrown during numerous fights throughout the park while visitors hid for their safety in shops and restaurants. Knott’s increased security after the fights.
Under the new Knott’s policy, all visitors 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone that’s at least 21 years old on Fridays and Saturdays in order to enter the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park or Knott’s Soak City water park.
A single chaperone can accompany up to three underage visitors per day. The chaperone must have a valid ID, provide a phone number and remain with the minors throughout the entire visit. Visitors under 18 found in the park without a chaperone could face ejection.
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