A McDonald’s in Franconia, Virginia, has implemented a temporary policy that bans anyone under the age of 21 from dining inside the restaurant. The decision was made in response to a recent wave of violent incidents involving local high school students, particularly from nearby Thomas Edison High School. A sign posted at the restaurant’s entrance now informs patrons that dine-in service is limited to adults, citing the need for safety and order.
The move follows the circulation of viral footage showing teenagers fighting, dancing on tables, and disrupting customers inside the fast-food outlet. The video triggered concern among both staff and patrons, prompting the store to take immediate action. Customers over 21 must now ring a doorbell and present photo ID to be allowed inside by an employee.
Escalation of Disruptive Behavior
According to reports, the McDonald’s has dealt with multiple incidents involving aggressive student behavior during school hours and after dismissal. In some cases, teens were seen fighting, smoking, and swearing in the restaurant, with one customer describing the environment as chaotic. “These kids are off the chain. They have no respect, no discipline,” said a customer named Stacey, who shared her frustrations with NBC Washington.
Store staff indicated that the behavior has not only endangered employees but also driven away regular customers. Patrons attempting to eat were frequently interrupted by disruptive teens, and employees faced challenges maintaining a safe working environment. In one instance, customers reported that teens were dancing on tables while others were involved in a physical brawl inside the restaurant.
A sign posted to the front door of the McDonald’s announcing the change in policy next to a doorbell for customers over 21 to use to enter the store.
Cooperation With Local Authorities
The policy was developed in collaboration with Fairfax County Public Schools and local law enforcement. A spokesperson for the restaurant emphasized that the safety of both staff and patrons was the primary motivation behind the age restriction. “We’ve enhanced our Franconia Road McDonald’s security measures in an effort to promote a safe environment,” the company stated. It also noted that the current rules were a temporary fix while a long-term solution is being explored.
The restrictions apply only from Monday through Friday, targeting school days when disruptive behavior has been most common. The restaurant did not specify how long the age restriction would remain in place. However, parents with children are still allowed to enter the restaurant if accompanied by an adult. One adult may bring in up to four minors under supervision.
McDonald’s location bans anyone under 21 due to student violence https://t.co/W73RkecTQx pic.twitter.com/hCZem15iHi
— Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) May 11, 2025
Not an Isolated Case
This Virginia location is not the first to adopt an age-based entry policy. In February, a McDonald’s in Brooklyn, New York, located at the intersection of Nostrand and Flatbush Avenues, also introduced a restriction barring individuals under 20 years old after a security guard was attacked by a group of teenagers. That incident resulted in broken glass doors and widespread property damage, prompting the franchise to change its operating procedures.
Store manager Amber Hussain recalled witnessing about 15 teenagers cause disturbances during her time at the Brooklyn location. The group was accused of trashing the store, throwing ice at other customers, stealing delivery orders, and smoking inside the building. The similarities between the two locations reflect a growing concern among fast-food operators about managing disruptive youth behavior in public dining spaces.
