A New Policy at a Brooklyn McDonald’s Aims to Reduce Crime and Improve Safety

In a bold move to address rising crime and disorder, a McDonald’s location in Brooklyn, New York, has implemented a new policy restricting entry to individuals under the age of 20 unless they are accompanied by a parent and can provide proper identification. The restaurant, located at the intersection of Nostrand and Flatbush avenues, has posted a sign on its door stating the new rules, which are designed to create a safer environment for customers and staff. The policy comes in response to a troubling history of incidents at the location, including violent crimes and disruptions caused by groups of unsupervised teenagers.

Why This Matters: A History of Crime and Disruptions

The McDonald’s location has long struggled with safety issues, with police data revealing that over 100 emergency calls have been made annually from the restaurant or its surrounding area over the past three years. These incidents range from minor disturbances to more severe crimes. For example, in 2011, an 18-year-old was fatally shot as he entered the restaurant, and a year later, a manager was involved in an altercation with a 24-year-old woman over a food dispute. These incidents highlight the urgent need for measures to prevent future violence and ensure the safety of everyone on the premises.

The Situation on the Ground: Employee and Witness Accounts

Amber Hussain, a 19-year-old manager at the McDonald’s, has firsthand experience with the challenges posed by unsupervised teenagers. She described a recent incident where a group of juveniles wearing ski masks attacked a security guard and vandalized the restaurant by breaking a glass door. Hussain, who has worked at the location for a year, estimates that 15 to 20 teenagers enter the restaurant daily, often causing chaos by throwing ice at customers, stealing food from delivery drivers, and even smoking marijuana inside. These behaviors have made it difficult for staff to maintain a safe and orderly environment.

Kenneth Mbonu, executive director of the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District, expressed support for the new policy. He emphasized the importance of being proactive in addressing safety concerns before they escalate further. "We don’t want something bad to happen first, before we begin to come look for solutions," Mbonu said. The policy is part of a broader effort by local businesses to improve safety in the area.

Public Reaction: Mixed Opinions on the New Policy

The new policy has sparked a mix of reactions from the community. Some customers and residents have expressed support for the measures, acknowledging the need to address the ongoing issues of crime and disorder. However, others have criticized the policy as unfair or discriminatory. Kia Hamilton, a customer interviewed by CBS News New York, stated, "I’m not siding with McDonald’s because it’s discrimination against everybody under 20. Sometimes, one bad person or a few bad people can ruin things for everybody." These concerns highlight the challenges of balancing safety with inclusivity.

A TikTok video shared by Sania Bolasingh appears to show the new policy in action, with a security guard stationed at the entrance and children waiting outside to gain entry. The video has contributed to the growing conversation about the restaurant’s approach and its impact on young people in the area. Meanwhile, a nearby Target store has implemented a similar policy, requiring all guests under 18 to be accompanied by an adult. This suggests that the McDonald’s policy may be part of a broader trend in the neighborhood to address safety concerns.

What’s Next: The Policy Remains in Place

For now, the policy at the Brooklyn McDonald’s remains in effect, with no immediate plans to change it. While the new rules apply to in-person dining, customers of any age can still place mobile orders through the McDonald’s app and pick them up at the restaurant’s 24-hour window. The policy serves as a controversial yet necessary step to reclaim the space for all patrons and ensure a safer environment for everyone involved. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this approach will impact the community and whether similar measures will be adopted by other businesses in the area.