Why a Virginia McDonald's Now Requires Customers to Be 21 or Older for Indoor Dining

A Virginia McDonald’s now requires customers to be at least 21 years old, and they must present identification to verify their age. To eat within their establishment.

The McDonald’s , situated close to Thomas Edison High School in Fairfax County , Virginia, now features a doorbell beside the entrance along with a sign detailing the updated age restriction.

The notice states, "In light of multiple occurrences of student aggression, this place has been temporarily shut down for dine-in customers who are under 21 years old." NBC 4 Washington .

The latest occurrence took place on Monday involving a sizable number of youngsters, with several appearing to come from the local high school. According to NBC 4 Washington, this group engaged in fighting, climbed onto tables, and shouted profanities.

Stacey, a customer, reported to the outlet that she observed some youths acting boisterously within the store when she was dining with her grandchildren.

Just imagine us sitting around eating, all of you smoking, drinking, and using profanity," Stacy remarked. "Come on, folks.

"These kids are off the chain,” she added. “They have no respect, no discipline. And it seems like how they acting, their parents are allowing them to act."

Bridget, another customer, told NBC 4 she wants the McDonald’s to be a safe place for families to eat.

"This McDonald's , I would've never expected it," she said.

The place is run as a business," she clarified. "It ought to serve as a secure venue where families feel comfortable dining together. While engaging young individuals, our aim isn’t simply to... We wish to channel that youthful vigor constructively.

This rule applies during weekdays, but parents may still accompany their kids. Additionally, adult supervisors can come with up to four children according to NBC 4.

A representative from McDonald’s stated that this measure is only a short-term solution.

The team at Edison McDonald's appreciates our connection with the local community and cherishes all our patrons,” said the representative to NBC 4. “To ensure safety for both guests and employees, we have upgraded the security protocols at our Franconia Road location.

The policy was created in collaboration with nearby educational administrators and under the supervision of regional police authorities," the representative added. "It acts as an interim measure while we strive toward a permanent resolution for everyone involved.

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