McDonald’s in Brooklyn Enforces Age Restriction Amidst Teen Delinquency
A McDonald’s restaurant located in Flatbush, Brooklyn, has implemented a new policy barring groups of teenagers from entering without parental supervision, a move prompted by a surge in disruptive and even violent behavior. The fast-food chain, a familiar gathering spot for young people, has taken the unusual step of employing a security guard to check IDs at the door, ensuring that individuals under the age of 20 are accompanied by a parent or guardian and can provide valid identification.
The policy is clearly stated on a sign posted at the restaurant’s entrance, a visual reminder of the change and a deterrent to unaccompanied minors seeking to enter. The decision has sparked both amusement and debate among local residents, with some praising the measure as a necessary step to restore order and safety, while others express concern over the potential for discrimination and the restriction of access for young people.
Sania Bolasingh, a local resident, recently captured the stark contrast in atmosphere following the implementation of the new policy in a TikTok video that quickly went viral. The video showcases a remarkably peaceful and quiet McDonald’s, a departure from the chaotic scenes that had reportedly become commonplace.
"Y’all, this is so funny, let me show you something," Bolasingh says in the video, as she pans the camera across the relatively empty restaurant. "You see how peaceful this McDonald’s is? You see how there’s no kids? You see how there’s no turmoil?"
The video depicts a scene far removed from the typical image of a bustling fast-food restaurant, often filled with boisterous teenagers. Bolasingh’s commentary highlights the noticeable absence of youthful energy, replaced by an atmosphere of calm and order.
In the video, Bolasingh interacts with the security guard stationed at the entrance, playfully questioning his role. "You [are] IDing for McDonald’s, is that right, sir?" she asks, eliciting a confirmation from the guard who gestures towards the sign outlining the new age restriction.
The video also captures the sight of several teenagers standing outside the McDonald’s, seemingly barred from entering. Bolasingh’s reaction to this scene is mixed, acknowledging the potential impact on young people while also expressing a sense of understanding for the restaurant’s decision.
"They got the kids waiting outside like it’s crazy," she says in the video. "You got [them] waiting outside because they over here tearing up people’s place. This is crazy. This is sick."
Manager Amber Hussain, speaking to the New York Post, detailed the reasons behind the implementation of the age restriction, citing a pattern of disruptive and even dangerous behavior by teenage customers. Hussain reported instances of teenagers throwing ice at customers, snatching food orders from Uber drivers, and smoking marijuana inside the restaurant.
The most alarming incident involved a group of teenagers wearing ski masks who allegedly swarmed the restaurant and attacked a security guard, prompting the management to take decisive action. The new policy is seen as a necessary measure to protect the safety of customers and employees, and to prevent further incidents of violence and disruption.
Bolasingh, who is familiar with the Flatbush neighborhood and the McDonald’s in question, described the location as being notorious for its unruly clientele. "If you’re from that area, you know that McDonald’s is horrible," she told the Post. "People fight in there – it’s not just kids being kids. People get stabbed, a delivery worker got jumped, he passed out."
The Flatbush neighborhood, situated south of Prospect Park and home to Brooklyn College, is generally considered to be an average-to-less safe area within New York City. The neighborhood has experienced instances of violent crime, including a recent incident in which an 84-year-old woman was hospitalized after being struck by a stray bullet outside her Flatbush Gardens apartment last year.
The decision by the McDonald’s in Flatbush to implement an age restriction reflects a growing concern over the behavior of some young people in public spaces. The incident raises questions about the role of businesses in managing unruly behavior, the responsibility of parents and guardians in supervising their children, and the broader social factors that may contribute to delinquent behavior among teenagers.
While the new policy may be effective in reducing crime and disruption within the McDonald’s restaurant, it also raises concerns about the potential for displacement, as teenagers may seek out other locations to congregate, potentially shifting the problem elsewhere.
The situation in Flatbush highlights the complexities of addressing youth crime and maintaining order in urban environments. It is clear that a multifaceted approach is needed, involving collaboration between businesses, community organizations, law enforcement, and families, to create safe and supportive environments for young people.
