In response to a surge in violent incidents involving youth, a Brooklyn McDonald’s has instituted a policy requiring anyone under the age of 20 to show identification and be accompanied by a parent to enter the restaurant.
Brooklyn McDonald’s Implements ID Policy to Combat Youth Crime
Brooklyn McDonald’s Implements ID Policy to Combat Youth Crime
New identification requirements aim to address safety concerns amid rising local crime rates.
The McDonald’s branch located at Nostrand and Flatbush Avenues is making headlines for its new policing measures, aimed at curbing disruptive behavior from young patrons. The decision comes in light of recent attacks, including a severe incident where masked teenagers assaulted a security guard and broke a glass door, prompting concerns about safety in fast-food establishments nationwide.
According to Amber Bussain, a 19-year-old manager at the restaurant, the location has experienced significant turmoil caused by groups of teenagers, with near-daily disruptions. Bussain noted incidents of harassment towards customers and theft from delivery drivers, with these groups sometimes numbering as many as 20. “They come in just to cause trouble,” she stated, highlighting behaviors such as throwing ice at customers and smoking marijuana indoors.
The NYPD has been summoned to the McDonald’s 29 times in just the first few months of 2025, reflecting an alarming trend of over 100 calls made in prior years. Consequently, management felt compelled to take stronger measures to ensure a safer environment for staff and customers alike.
The new policy has ignited a debate among community members. While many parents and patrons are in favor of the changes, viewing them as essential for restoring safety, others believe the rule punishes all young people for the actions of a select few.
This issue isn't limited to just the Brooklyn location; many McDonald's franchises across the country are facing similar challenges, with some even employing private security or enforcing curfews to mitigate late-night violence. The adoption of this new ID policy in Brooklyn reflects a broader trend of businesses grappling with rising insecurity and taking proactive measures.
As these safety protocols are rolled out, many wonder whether this targeted approach will deter unruly behavior or merely shift the problem to other venues.
According to Amber Bussain, a 19-year-old manager at the restaurant, the location has experienced significant turmoil caused by groups of teenagers, with near-daily disruptions. Bussain noted incidents of harassment towards customers and theft from delivery drivers, with these groups sometimes numbering as many as 20. “They come in just to cause trouble,” she stated, highlighting behaviors such as throwing ice at customers and smoking marijuana indoors.
The NYPD has been summoned to the McDonald’s 29 times in just the first few months of 2025, reflecting an alarming trend of over 100 calls made in prior years. Consequently, management felt compelled to take stronger measures to ensure a safer environment for staff and customers alike.
The new policy has ignited a debate among community members. While many parents and patrons are in favor of the changes, viewing them as essential for restoring safety, others believe the rule punishes all young people for the actions of a select few.
This issue isn't limited to just the Brooklyn location; many McDonald's franchises across the country are facing similar challenges, with some even employing private security or enforcing curfews to mitigate late-night violence. The adoption of this new ID policy in Brooklyn reflects a broader trend of businesses grappling with rising insecurity and taking proactive measures.
As these safety protocols are rolled out, many wonder whether this targeted approach will deter unruly behavior or merely shift the problem to other venues.
