A Missouri restaurant has sparked a bizarre online debate after it imposed a bizarre age restriction in an effort to keep out “drama-bringing young people” and maintain a “sophisticated environment.”
Bliss restaurant in St. Louis has reportedly set a minimum age of 30 for women and 35 for men who want to enjoy its fine Caribbean cuisine. KSDK.
According to Facebook, the restaurant created the policy to “maintain a sophisticated environment, uphold standards, and support the sustainability of our unique atmosphere.” post Discuss the rules.
Assistant manager Erica Rose told the outlet that the age limit was imposed to attract an older clientele.
“This restaurant is a place where older people can come, enjoy happy hour, eat good food and not have to worry about young people causing drama,” Rose said.
Restaurant owner Marvin Pate, 36, said he’s committed to the relocation, despite some backlash.
“I think of Bliss as a home away from home,” Pate told the outlet. “When you come here, you really feel like you’re at a resort. You feel like you’re on vacation.”
Bliss strictly enforces this rule, requiring a hostess or a St. Louis County police officer to check identification if they suspect a customer looks under 30.
“Obviously, we get some backlash because of our policies, but that’s OK. We stick to our guns,” Pate explained.
While some people are outraged by Bliss’ unique age restriction on customers, others welcome the move and wish Bliss great success.
“This is great because not only is it for adults, but it makes me want to go out again without all the bullshit,” one Facebook user commented on a post discussing the rules.
“I love the age restriction. Keep it that way. Don’t change it. Lots of places used to have age restrictions. I’m glad someone is finally bringing them back. Protect your business. I’m rooting for you!!” wrote another user.
“I love the concept. It’s about time we adults can dine in a relaxed atmosphere without screaming kids, shouting parents and aggression,” another agreed.
Still, some are frustrated that restaurants can’t accommodate everyone’s tastes and ambiance.
“So I’m 33 so I can’t eat here?” one user asked.
“Imagine a mature, polite, well behaved 32 year old man…too young to be dining anywhere,” explained another.
“I understand but I think having an age limit in a restaurant is a bit much unless it’s a bar or event space. If you want to stop annoying customers then you’d be better off raising the price range instead of the age range. Some behaviours indicate maturity based on age and some behaviours indicate status,” wrote another.
The restaurant will soon begin offering take-out orders for people who are frustrated that they can’t enjoy some of Bliss’ Caribbean cuisine because they don’t meet the age requirement.
Last year, New Jersey restaurants made the controversial decision to ban children under the age of 10 from their restaurants.
Netty’s House of Spaghetti in Tinton Falls said it imposed the ban because it had “become extremely difficult to accommodate children” in its restaurants.
