A restaurant has decided to ban young people in a bid to create a “grown and sexy” vibe after complaining those under 35 cause too much “drama”.
Bliss Restaurant has been serving up Caribbean bites alongside a restrictive “age policy” since it opened its doors in St. Louis, in the US state of Missouri, last month.
Owners Marvin Pate and his wife, said they created the rule to help them “maintain a sophisticated environment, uphold our standards, and support the sustainability of our unique ambience”.
But the ban, which applies to men under 35 and women under 30, has divided patrons after the unique terms and conditions went viral.
Mr Pate, 36, said the venue has copped some backlash, but insisted there are no plans to remove the controversial age restriction.
“I think Bliss is a home away from home,” he told local news station KSDK. “You can come here and actually feel like you’re at a resort. People will feel like they’re on a vacation.
“Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that’s OK. We’re sticking to our code.”
Bliss is so committed to the rule that if a customer is suspected of looking under 30 years old, they will have their IDs checked.
“The restaurant is just something for the older people to come do, have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring some of that drama,” assistant manager Erica Rhodes added.
Reaction to the minimum age limit has been mixed, with some suggesting the rule was “age discrimination”.
“The owner barely makes his own age requirement. Come on,” one ranted online.
“I’ve never seen a bar fight that wasn’t started by some drunk over 30,” raged another.
As one said: “I feel like it’s usually older people acting out nowadays.”
“Y’all ever seen a Karen under 30?” one bloke agreed.
However, many thought the restriction “makes sense”, as it kept the camera-loving youth away.
“Ah, Bliss, no influencers with those bright lights and filming while everyone else is trying to have a nice meal,” one shared.
“Sounds like a great idea. Resorts and hotels do it. Bars do it. Why not restaurants?! I love my children, but when I get a kid-free night for a nice meal, it sucks when there is a screaming kid at the next table. Or when you just want to grab a cocktail with your friend one evening and it’s nothing but fighting and drama from the young adult crowd,” another agreed.
As someone else mused: “I love this idea!!!! Perfect!!!! And for all those gripping and complaining about it…..or have some smartelic comment….. just wait. One day your day is coming.”
“Love it. This is what private business is all about. If you don’t like it don’t go,” one added.
“I like the concept, it’s time we mature adults can dine in a relaxing atmosphere without kids screaming, parents screaming, aggressive behaviours,” another chimed in.
“I love the age requirements. Please keep it like this. Don’t change it a lot of places back in the day had age requirements I’m glad that somebody finally taking it back protect your business I support,” wrote someone else.
Some have interpreted the restaurant’s policy as a challenge, sharing on social media when they gain access while being “underage”.
“We have had incidents where our age requirement has been violated and put on social media,” a post shared by Bliss restaurant’s Facebook page on May 28 read.
“To reiterate, Bliss Caribbean Restaurant requires all guests to be 30 or older for women and 35 or older for men.
“This policy is in place to ensure a mature, sophisticated and safe dining environment for everyone.”