McDonald's in Virginia bans children from its dining room...and some parents are outraged
A McDonald's in Virginia has banned children from dining at the location, and the shocking decision has left some parents outraged.
The fast food restaurant in Fairfax County implemented the new rule last Monday after management posted a safety notice sign on the front door stating that the 'location is temporarily closed for dine-in service to anyone under 21 years of age.'
The new policy, which was put in place 'due to repeated incidents of student violence,' is in effect Monday through Friday. All customers, including adults, have to ring a doorbell to enter the establishment and might be asked to show their ID to staff.
Children are only allowed inside if they are accompanied by a parent and adult chaperones can bring in up to four children with them.
People of all ages can use the drive-thru and mobile app to get their Happy Meals and Big Macs, the franchise said.
While it remains unclear just how long the new policy will remain in effect, local parents have voiced their anger over it.
'So because some of y'all can't control your children, mine have to suffer? I have a 3 year old and an 18 year old and I assure you, neither has caused any kind of scene in public,' one wrote on Facebook.
'I don't blame people for wanting to eat without this bs, but some of us actually parent. The ones that choose to be 'friends' with their kids and let them run wild should be charged with everything these kids do right alongside the kids,' they continued.
Another person said: 'Too bad the well behaved kids have to be inconvenienced by these rules.'
'Does the police not exist over here,' a user wrote.
Dia Jackson suggested the business take another route to address the issue.
'I don't agree with it I mean kids get money and want to eat so I mean maybe you need a security guard,' Jackson told DC News Now.
While some have been left outraged by the new policy, others are happy with it and fully support the company's decision.
'I like their policy. I would not hesitate to eat there. Without this policy, I would have gone elsewhere,' one said.
'These young men and women have made it hard for businesses to operate safely.'
Another commented: 'Good. These ignorant kids will ruin it for everyone else. They need to learn that actions have consequences. Nice job, parents.'
A customer who frequented the location in the past told NBC Washington she also agrees with it.
'Like we're sitting down eating, y'all smoking, y'all drinking, y'all cussing. Like, come on, y'all,' a local named Stacey said.
'I understand where they coming from, because that's turning customers away,' she added. 'If you're here, you're acting up, they losing they business.'
Another customer named Bridget told the outlet that she hopes children learn from their actions.
'It's a company. It should be a safe establishment for families to enjoy their food. Young people, we can't just ... We want to take that energy and redirect it,' she said.
Meanwhile, Tim Perkins has already started enjoying the new policy.
'It's a great thing. This is probably the first time in five years that I've sat down for 15 minutes in this McDonald's and enjoyed a hamburger,' he told 7News.
According to Perkins, a number of 'brazen' fights have broken out in recent years, making it hard to sit down, relax and enjoy a meal.
'The fighting is a problem and they're pretty brazen. The management tries to step in and these kids are pretty violent. And let's be honest, they're young adults..,' he explained.
'They're just trying to stop the violence because it's not fair to any other customer who comes in for the sandwich, a hard-working person, they got to put up with a bunch of idiots.'
In a statement, McDonald's said it loves being a part of the community, but they decided to enhance security measures at that specific location because the company wants 'to promote a safe environment for our customers and staff.'
'This policy was developed in partnership with local school officials with oversight from local law enforcement. This serves as a temporary fix as we work towards a long-term solution for all,' the company added.
The McDonald's is located down the street from Thomas Edison High School. A lot of students come to the restaurant for lunch or after school.
A spokesperson with Fairfax County Public Schools told DailyMail.com a recent newsletter mentioned the restaurant's new policy.
'In a recent school community newsletter, Edison High School shared a statement from the owner of the McDonald's on Franconia Road detailing the restaurant's new security policy. FCPS encourages families to talk to their students about appropriate conduct, including in the community,' they said.
'Edison High School's attendance policy makes it clear that students who leave campus during the school day without a parent check-out will receive an unexcused absence.'
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