A McDonald’s in Flatbush, Brooklyn, has implemented a new policy requiring customers under 20 to be accompanied by a parent and show ID before entering. The measure comes amid rising concerns over unruly teen behavior, with store management and local officials working together to prioritize safety.
Why Is McDonald’s Checking IDs?
Location: McDonald’s at 2154 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY
911 Calls from This Location:
- 29 calls so far this year
- 111 calls in 2024
Issues Reported:
- Fights among teens
- Property damage
- Excessive littering
Management’s Response:
- New age restriction: Customers under 20 need a parent and ID to enter.
- Increased security: More guards hired to manage crowds.
- Collaboration with NYPD and local business groups to prevent incidents before they escalate.
“We don’t want something bad to happen first before we start looking for solutions,” said Kenneth Mbonu, executive director of the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District (BID).
What Are Customers Saying?
Supporters of the Policy:
- “I thought it was very reasonable because they’re crazy in this McDonald’s.” – Sania Bolasingh
- “If they’re not fighting, they would destroy property, leave garbage. That’s bad for business.” – Nya Bousiagnac
- “I love it.” – Dorothy Brasier, Local Resident
Opposition to the Policy:
- “I think it’s really crazy.” – Kia Hamilton
- “I’m not siding with McDonald’s because it’s discrimination against everybody under 20.” – Hamilton
- “You’re gonna lose a lot of business.” – Anonymous Customer
Other Businesses with Similar Policies
A nearby Target has a similar age restriction policy:
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- CBS News New York reached out to Target but has not received a response.
Mbonu’s Perspective:
“These are very popular destinations. Our small micro-businesses don’t have issues like this.”
Is McDonald’s Enforcing the Policy?
CBS News New York reporters observed the McDonald’s on Tuesday afternoon but did not see security checking IDs.
Student Perspective:
“I just walked right in and they didn’t say anything.” – Zehra Demircanli, Midwood High School Student
