The new regulation comes in response to escalating incidents involving unruly teens at the fast-food chain, reflecting broader issues of youth-related crime faced by similar establishments across the country.
Brooklyn McDonald’s Imposes Age Restrictions to Combat Rising Youth Crime
Brooklyn McDonald’s Imposes Age Restrictions to Combat Rising Youth Crime
A McDonald’s in Brooklyn has enacted a controversial policy banning entry for those under 20 unless accompanied by a parent or ID, amid increasing safety concerns.
The McDonald’s at Nostrand and Flatbush Avenues in Brooklyn has implemented a strict policy that prohibits anyone under the age of 20 from entering the restaurant without adult supervision or valid identification. This decision follows a troubling increase in violent incidents at the location, including a recent attack where a security guard was assaulted and a glass door was smashed. The initiative aims to address escalating worries about safety in fast-food restaurants, amidst a nationwide rise in crime linked to younger individuals.
According to 19-year-old manager Amber Bussain, the establishment has been inundated with disruptive teens for more than a year. Bussain reports frequent chaos with groups of young people storming in, causing disturbances, harassing patrons, and stealing from delivery personnel. "They come in just to create mayhem," she stated, noting instances where customers have been bombarded with ice and instances of marijuana use within the eatery.
This year alone, the NYPD has responded to the McDonald’s 29 times, highlighting the persistent problems staff face in maintaining order. Over the last three years, the restaurant has received over 100 calls for police assistance each year, leading management to take this unprecedented step.
The new policy has drawn mixed reactions from the community. Some parents and customers endorse the change, arguing it is a necessary measure to restore a sense of safety, while others contend that it unfairly punishes all young people for the misdeeds of a few.
Nationally, McDonald’s branches have experienced similar challenges, with various franchises resorting to hiring private security personnel or implementing curfews to mitigate late-night violence. The situation in Brooklyn reflects a larger trend where businesses are forced to adopt stricter measures in response to rising crime rates.
As these safety protocols are put in place, the effectiveness of this new policy remains to be seen—will it deter disorderly behavior, or simply shift the problem to other locations?
According to 19-year-old manager Amber Bussain, the establishment has been inundated with disruptive teens for more than a year. Bussain reports frequent chaos with groups of young people storming in, causing disturbances, harassing patrons, and stealing from delivery personnel. "They come in just to create mayhem," she stated, noting instances where customers have been bombarded with ice and instances of marijuana use within the eatery.
This year alone, the NYPD has responded to the McDonald’s 29 times, highlighting the persistent problems staff face in maintaining order. Over the last three years, the restaurant has received over 100 calls for police assistance each year, leading management to take this unprecedented step.
The new policy has drawn mixed reactions from the community. Some parents and customers endorse the change, arguing it is a necessary measure to restore a sense of safety, while others contend that it unfairly punishes all young people for the misdeeds of a few.
Nationally, McDonald’s branches have experienced similar challenges, with various franchises resorting to hiring private security personnel or implementing curfews to mitigate late-night violence. The situation in Brooklyn reflects a larger trend where businesses are forced to adopt stricter measures in response to rising crime rates.
As these safety protocols are put in place, the effectiveness of this new policy remains to be seen—will it deter disorderly behavior, or simply shift the problem to other locations?
