A McDonald’s restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, has introduced a policy requiring customers under the age of 20 to present identification and be accompanied by a parent to enter the premises. This measure aims to address ongoing incidents of disorderly conduct and violence involving teenagers at the Flatbush location.
Policy Details
The new policy mandates that individuals under 20 must show proper identification and be accompanied by a parent to dine at the restaurant. Signs posted at the entrance inform patrons of this requirement. The initiative is enforced by security personnel and, at times, NYPD officers stationed outside the establishment.
Background
The decision to implement this policy follows a series of incidents involving teenagers causing disturbances at the McDonald’s location. Reports indicate that groups of youths have engaged in disruptive behavior, including throwing ice at customers, stealing food intended for delivery, and smoking inside the restaurant. A particularly alarming event involved a group of teenagers wearing ski masks breaking a glass door and assaulting a security guard.
Community Reactions
The policy has elicited mixed reactions from the local community. Some patrons express frustration, viewing the age restriction as unfair to young adults who wish to dine independently. One customer remarked, “Over 20 is crazy. 18-20 year olds can go vote but not go to the McDonald’s.”
Conversely, others support the measure, citing safety concerns and the need to maintain order within the establishment. A customer noted, “I thought it was very crazy in this McDonald’s. They do too much. They jump people, jump delivery workers, jump the security and they terrorize people that are in there.”
Broader Implications
This policy reflects a broader trend among businesses in New York City implementing age restrictions and increased security measures to combat rising incidents of youth-related disturbances. Similar actions have been observed at other establishments, including Popeyes and Target, which have also imposed age restrictions to enhance safety.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this policy will impact the local community and whether similar measures will be adopted by other businesses facing comparable challenges.
For a visual report on this development, you can watch the following video: