MCDONALD’S customers risk having to prove their age when trying to eat inside an establishment thanks to a new policy.
Fast-food lovers must ring a doorbell before they even step foot into the restaurant.
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The measure has been brought in due to episodes of lawlessness among students, as reported by the NBC affiliate WRC-TV.
Chiefs have decided to close off a dining room in a Virginia restaurant to those under the age of 21.
This means some people who can vote and have driving licenses will not be able to eat inside the Alexandria restaurant.
Diners slightly over the age of 21 might have to show ID if they want to enjoy their Happy Meals inside.
“Due to repeated incidents of student violence, the location is temporarily closed for dine-in service to anyone under 21 years of age, “ a sign stuck on a window said.
Customers have been left stunned by the action taken by restaurant bosses.
“This McDonald’s, I would’ve never expected it,” a local, known only as Bridget, told WRC-TV.
“What a society we live in,” another diner posted online.
“Wait what is going on ringing a doorbell to get in the McDonald’s because of the behavior of the youths and teens. Hot mess!” another raged.
The policy has sparked division, but scores of fast-food fans appear to have backed the stance taken by McDonald’s.
“It’s a shame it has come to that, but kids are out of control in McDonalds,” one Facebook user said.
“That’s a consequence for that type of behavior,” another said.
“You don’t want to be treated like a menace, don’t act like one.”
Diners say that the stance taken by bosses sends a signal to those intent on misbehaving.
“Actions have consequences,” one woman warned.
A McDonald’s spokesperson revealed the policy is in force Monday to Friday.
The restaurant in Alexandria is not the only establishment that’s brought in extra measures.
McDonald’s chiefs in Flatbush, New York, brought in a policy that bans shoppers under the age of 20 from stepping foot into a restaurant unless they come with a parent and are armed with ID.
Bosses took action after cops responded to hundreds of calls at the location.
And, locals revealed that students used to run riot in the restaurant.
Amber Hussain, the restaurant manager, told The New York Post that groups of teens used to throw ice at fellow diners and smoke cannabis.
“It was a crazy scene,” she said.
Target chiefs also banned teens under the age of 18 from stepping foot into a Brooklyn store, per The Post.
The measure also attracted backlash, with some describing it as dumb.
And, security guards have reportedly been told to usher out customers who are underage.