An McDonald’s restaurant has implemented an unusual measure: the ban on entry to anyone under 21. According to the New York Post, the decision was made after several episodes of violence associated with students from a secondary school, a situation that motivated an immediate response by management.
Location and context of measure
This McDonald’s is located in Franconia, a community located in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States.
The area is known to be residential and close to several schools, including Thomas Edison High School, whose students were pointed out as involved in incidents that motivated the restriction.
Restrictions imposed by safety
According to the same source, the measure was announced through a poster placed on the main door of the restaurant, where it is read that the space is temporarily ended at children under 21 during the working days. The rule applies from Monday to Friday and emerges as a direct reaction to the clashes that occurred inside the space.
The occurrences of violence were associated with students from Thomas Edison High School, a school located nearby. Several videos shared on social networks show feuds among teenagers inside the restaurant, which led to the need to impose new limits.
Temporary measure with the support of the authorities
McDonald’s sought justified the decision as a way to protect workers and other customers. In a statement, cited by the same source, the space administration indicated to collaborate with the public schools of Fairfax County and local authorities to solve the problem.
The same source explains that, since the implementation of the measure, customers over 21 who wish to enter have to touch the doorbell, then the door opened by an employee. The policy aims to control access and prevent young groups from entering freely, as previously happened.
Despite the new rule, it was clarified that parents accompanied by minor children continue to be able to attend the space. The restriction applies exclusively to young people under 21 years old who are not accompanied by adults.
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Reaction to registered violence
The decision was made after a series of violent behaviors by students, as reported by. The situation became unsustainable and forced restaurant guardians to adopt immediate measures to lock the clashes.
The ban is temporary and, according to the same source, a deadline for its survey has not yet been set. The McDonald’s chain indicated to be working with local partners to find a lasting solution that ensures a safe environment in the restaurant.
Impact on the local community
The new policy has generated different reactions from the community. While some consider it a necessary measure, others question its effectiveness, especially because it is based on an age group that may not accurately reflect all those involved in the incidents.
According to the same source, the restaurant chain did not advance further details about the type of incidents, but the release of videos on social networks increased the pressure to take immediate action.
It is now left to know how long this limitation will be maintained and what impact it may have on the operation of the restaurant and on the relationship with the local school community.
Surveillance will continue, and any change will depend on the evolution of the behavior of young people who go to the area, concludes the New York Post.
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