A Virginia McDonald’s now requires that customers are 21 years old – with an identity document to prove it – to dine in their store.
The McDonald’s, located near Thomas Edison High School in the county of Fairfax, in Virginia, is now a bell next to the entrance and a panel explaining the new age requirement.
“Due to the repeated incidents of students’ violence, the location is temporarily closed for a dinner service to anyone under the age of 21,” said the panel, according to NBC 4 Washington.
The most recent incident occurred on Monday, including a large group of young people, some who seemed to come from the neighboring high school. The group fought, held on tables and swore, reports NBC 4 Washington.
A customer named Stacey declared to the point of sale that she saw young people being rowdy inside the store while eating with his grandchildren.
“As if we were sitting in food, that you all smoke, you all drink, you are all rushing,” said Stacey. “Like, go, all of you.”
“These children are out of the chain,” she added. “They have no respect, no discipline. And it seems that they act, their parents allow them to act.”
Bridget, another customer, told NBC 4 that she wanted McDonald’s to be a safe place for families to eat.
“This McDonald’s, I didn’t expect it,” she said.
“It’s a business,” she added. “It should be a safe establishment for families to take advantage of their food. Young people, we can’t just … We want to take this energy and redirect it.”
Politics are in place on weekdays and parents can still bring their children. Adult chaperons can also be joined by up to four children, reports NBC 4.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s said that politics was just a temporary solution.
“We like to be part of the Edison community and we appreciate each client,” said the spokesperson at NBC 4. “We have improved our security measures from our Franconia Road McDonald’s in order to promote a safe environment for our customers and our staff.”
“This policy was developed in partnership with local school officials with the surveillance of local law enforcement,” said the spokesperson. “It serves as a temporary correction when we work for a long -term solution for everyone.”
