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Centro Ybor sticks to rules
By BABITA PERSAUD © St. Petersburg Times, published November 24, 2000 TAMPA -- Within the plaza of Centro Ybor, don't wear anything faintly obscene or suggestive. "Offensive messages are not permitted," states the plaza's code, posted near entryways on Seventh, Eighth and Ninth avenues. If you are a minor, don't congregate in groups larger than four, "as this may impede customer access." Don't use obscene or insulting language or gestures. Don't come to Centro Ybor without parental supervision after 8 p.m. if you are under 18 years old. Do carry I.D. "It sucks," says Greg Elliot, referring to the rules and regulations that govern Centro Ybor, the $45-million shopping, dining and entertainment complex that opened last month. Elliot is 19 and has green hair to go with his job as a deejay named "Peter Pan." He has been a regular in Ybor for three years. "Ybor's not like it was before," he said. Centro Ybor can enforce a code because it is private property, said Centro's general manager, Harold Dull. Such a code is necessary, he said, "to help all of our guests feel comfortable about shopping or visiting the center." Centro, with its high-end shops and restaurants, has brought a new clientele to Ybor, namely families "who didn't feel comfortable here before," said Centro spokeswoman Taylor Ward. "Everybody should have a place to enjoy themselves in Ybor City, not just those under 25 with the latest in body jewelry," Ward said. Longtime Ybor resident and shop owner Brad Cooper, whose gallery is on Seventh Avenue, applauds the rules. He has had to wipe spit off his glass front door countless times. "We need a civil environment," he said. Centro's code covers the open-air plaza and most of the shops and restaurants. The high-tech arcade GameWorks takes the code a step further, banning patrons who wear baseball caps backwards or sideways. It also prohibits patrons from wearing one pants leg rolled up. It's considered inappropriate dress, "known youth-gang attire," said GameWorks spokesman Jamie Dodd. The rules are implemented at the discretion of the managers, Dodd said. At Muvico's Magestic 20 multiplex, another Centro anchor, the code is not observed. The movie chain chose not to enforce it, said Muvico spokesman Randi Emerman. "Everybody's invited to our theaters," said Emerman. "We want young people to come out in groups, buy a ticket, enjoy a movie. We encourage it." Centro's code is among the strictest of the malls in Hillsborough County. Citrus Park and Brandon TownCenter rules state that anyone wearing obscene or offensive clothing will be asked to cover or remove the clothing from view. Loitering is prohibited at most malls, but none specify the number of teens who can congregate. No mall in Hillsborough has a rule against how you wear your baseball cap. "I don't care how they wear their hat," said Tom Miles, general manager at WestShore Plaza. "They could wear it on their rear end, if that's the fashion statement. We're there for them to buy a hat. That's what we care about." Centro Ybor Code of ConductCentro Ybor is for shopping and entertainment. While here, treat others as you would like to be treated. Discourteous behavior of any kind will not be permitted. Respect others. Disorderly or disruptive conduct is prohibited including: use of obscene or insulting language or gestures, running, yelling, fighting, boisterous behavior, throwing objects, littering, running, skating, skateboarding, or roller blading are not permitted. Minors must not congregate in groups larger than four, as this may impede customer access. Parental Escort -- All youths under 18 years of age who are at Centro Ybor after 8 p.m. must be under the supervision and control of a parent or guardian (21 or older) who must have visual contact with the youth(s). A parent or guardian may not escort more than six youths under the age of 18. To enforce the rules applicable to minors, we require all patrons on our property to carry appropriate photo identification with proof of age. Soliciting, distributing literature, offering any items for sale, soliciting signatures, or personal information of any kind (including names, phone numbers, etc.), conducting surveys, videotaping or photographing is prohibited without authorization from Centro Ybor management. Appropriate attire must be worn when visiting Centro Ybor. Items with obscene, suggestive, or offensive messages are not permitted. Shirts and shoes are required at all times. Loitering is not permitted in Centro Ybor. Loitering includes inactivity, blocking access, hindering movement and/or failure to move to a dining, entertainment or retail venue. All persons under the age of 18 are expected to be in school during school hours and will be asked to leave the property. Please refrain from smoking in the common areas of Centro Ybor as it is a smoke-free environment. Only animals in the company of, and trained to assist, physically challenged persons are permitted on Centro Ybor property.
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