New York City McDonald’s starts carding teenagers in response to crime: ‘People fight in there’

A McDonald’s restaurant in Flatbush, Brooklyn, has taken an unusual step to address what it describes as escalating misbehavior among its teenage customers. The location, situated near Brooklyn College and Prospect Park, has implemented a strict new policy barring anyone under the age of 20 from entering the premises without a parent or proper identification. The restaurant now employs a security guard who checks IDs at the door, and a sign on the front of the building clearly states the new rules. This move comes after months of what management and residents describe as chaotic and dangerous conditions inside the restaurant.

The situation gained attention online after a local resident, Sania Bolasingh, shared a TikTok video showcasing the sudden change. In the video, Bolasingh humorously highlights the unusual peace and quiet inside the restaurant, contrasting it with the turmoil that had become commonplace. The video also shows a group of teenagers waiting outside, looking dejected, as well as interactions with the security guard who now enforces the policy. Bolasingh, who seems to approve of the new measures, remarks on how the restaurant had become notorious for its unruly atmosphere. “If you’re from that area, you know that McDonald’s is horrible,” she says. “People fight in there—not just kids being kids. People get stabbed, a delivery worker got jumped, he passed out.” Her post highlights how the restaurant had become a hotspot for trouble, with incidents that went far beyond typical teenage mischief.

According to Amber Hussain, the restaurant’s manager, the problems had spiraled out of control. Teenagers were allegedly involved in a range of disruptive and dangerous behaviors, including throwing ice at customers, stealing food from Uber drivers, and even smoking marijuana inside the restaurant. The final straw came when a group of teens wearing ski masks stormed the restaurant and attacked a security guard. This incident prompted the management to take drastic measures to restore order and ensure the safety of both customers and staff.

The new policy has sparked mixed reactions in the community. While some, like Bolasingh, seem to support the measures as a necessary response to the chaos, others have expressed frustration or disappointment. The sight of teenagers gathered outside the restaurant, unable to enter, has become a point of contention. Some view it as a sad reflection of the challenges faced by young people in the area, while others see it as a reasonable step to prevent further incidents. The policy also raises questions about how to address broader issues of youth behavior and safety in urban spaces.

The Flatbush neighborhood, where the McDonald’s is located, is considered one of the less-safe areas of Brooklyn. The community has seen its share of violent incidents, including a recent case where an 84-year-old woman was hospitalized after being struck by a stray bullet. These concerns about safety are likely contributing factors to the restaurant’s decision to take such strict measures. The presence of Brooklyn College in the area adds to the dynamic, as it brings a mix of students, families, and long-time residents together in a neighborhood that is both vibrant and troubled.

As the situation unfolds, it raises important questions about how businesses can balance providing a welcoming environment with ensuring the safety and well-being of their customers. The McDonald’s in Flatbush has chosen a controversial path, but one that management believes is necessary to combat the escalating problems they have faced. Whether this approach will lead to long-term solutions or simply shift the issue elsewhere remains to be seen. For now, the quiet interior of the restaurant stands in stark contrast to the turmoil that once defined it—and the teens waiting outside serve as a reminder of the challenges that persist just beyond its doors.