California amusement park now requires chaperone for all visitors under 18

Starting Friday, Knott’s Berry Farm won’t allow visitors under 18 unless they’re accompanied by a chaperone.

The policy at the Buena Park theme park starts July 22 and will be in effect on Fridays and Saturdays until further notice, park officials said.

The rule is aimed at ensuring safety after a series of fights involving teenagers forced the park to shut early on Saturday, July 16.

All visitors 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to enter the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park or Knott’s Soak City water park on Fridays or Saturdays.

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.

“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.”

Video of the chaos and panic at Knott’s last weekend showed punches being thrown during numerous fights throughout the park while visitors hid in shops and restaurants. Reports of gunshots were unfounded, Buena Park police said. Knott’s increased security after the fights.