The New Zealand city of Christchurch hopes that putting Barry Manilow’s smooth and gentle tones into the mix of music broadcast through the central mall district can calm teens who congregate there, or at least convince them to leave.

“The intention is to change the environment in a positive way so nobody feels threatened or intimidated,” Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale told The Associated Press. “I did not say Barry Manilow is a weapon of mass destruction.”

A group of several dozen young people regularly spread rubbish, spray graffiti, get intoxicated, use drugs, swear and intimidate patrons at the outdoor mall, he said.

The city council, police and local property owners covering 410 businesses agree that “nice, easy listening” music like Manilow’s “Can’t Smile Without You,” “Mandy” and other hits might change the behavior of loitering teens.