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Chick-fil-A branch bans unaccompanied minors
By Joanna Sarah-Freedman
27 Feb 2023
3m
Fast food giant, Chick-fil-A has banned unaccompanied minors in one of its stores due to their ‘unacceptable behaviour’.
One of the chain’s eateries in Royersford, Pennsylvania, has announced that “anyone under the age of 16 is required to be accompanied by an adult,” explaining that “unacceptable behaviours” were the reason for the drastic call.
In a Facebook post shared Wednesday, the Chick-fil-A branch said: “While we love being a community restaurant and serving guests of all ages, some issues need to be addressed. When groups of unaccompanied children and teens visit our restaurant, the following unacceptable behaviours often occur…”
They then went on to list several issues, including minors being “too loud,” often conversing using “explicit language”.
Chick-fil-A banned minors in one branch (Credit: Chick-fil-A)
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“Food and trash are often thrown around and left on the tables, chairs, and on the floor. Tables and restrooms are vandalised. Decorations are stolen,” the restaurant said, listing another gripe.
Meanwhile, another concern was “disrespect of employees.”
“Employees are laughed at, made fun of and treated rudely. Employees are cursed at and ignored when they ask the children and teens to either change their behaviour or leave,” Chick-fil-A Pennsylvania bosses explained.
Other issues like safety were also raised – specifically, individuals walking through parking lot and drive thru lanes.
Teens will have to be accompanied by an adult (Credit: Chick-fil-A)
“We want to provide a comfortable and safe environment for our guests and our staff, and also to protect our building. Therefore, we cannot allow this to continue,” the post said.
“As a result, to dine in our restaurant, anyone under the age of 16 is required to be accompanied by an adult. If not accompanied by an adult, they may come in to purchase food, but must take it to go.”
“To those unaccompanied children and teens that have visited us and acted appropriately, we thank you. But we also apologise. Due to the numerous extreme behaviours of many of your peers, we must make a blanket rule covering anyone under the age of 16.”
Reacting to the post, several people understood the need for the decision, whilst others criticised the fast food chain for blaming all kids and teens for the behaviour of a few.
The Chick-fil-A branch laid out its reasoning on Facebook (Credit: Chick-fil-A)
“100000 percent support this. Thank you for taking a stand. Young children who grow up without adult supervision, rules, and boundaries face challenges as adults. Your restaurant, your rules,” said one person underneath the statement.
Whilst another wrote: “Boundaries must be established for the health and safety of your employees and customers. I applaud Chick-fil-A for taking steps to ensure such.”
“This should be a plan put in place 100 percent for all businesses. The lack of respect and just over all common sense out today in public is horrific without consequences so good job to you guys,” said a third.
Chick-fil-A laid down the law (Credit: Chick-fil-A)
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Others weren’t so convinced.
“Are you freaking kidding me? Yet another reason for me to never go to Chick Fil A. What a crappy, mean spirited and narrow attitude,” said one critic.
As another penned: “This is so dumb. Call the police and let them handle it.”
It’s worth noting that this policy is only in place in one Chick-fil-A out 2,000 franchises across the US.
Still, there’s no denying it’s got people talking. What do you think of it?!
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