In an unprecedented move, a McDonald’s in Brooklyn is now carding customers at the door, restricting entry for anyone under 20 without proper identification or an adult present. This dramatic decision comes after a spate of violent incidents at the location, situated at the busy intersection of Nostrand and Flatbush avenues. The restaurant’s management is attempting to restore order amid frequent disturbances that have marred its reputation.
Manager Amber Hussain, who has worked at the location for a year, described a chaotic scene last week when a group of teens wearing ski masks attacked a security guard and shattered a glass door. It was just one of many disruptions the store has faced. Hussain reports that on any given day, after school lets out, anywhere from 15 to 20 teenagers descend upon the McDonald’s, often causing havoc: throwing ice at customers, snatching food from delivery drivers, and even smoking weed inside.
The McDonald’s has earned a notorious reputation in the community. The store, located in an area referred to as “the junction,” has been the site of several violent events, including shootings and stabbings. In a chilling example from 2011, an 18-year-old was shot in the head in broad daylight just outside the restaurant, a part of a carefully planned attack by two assailants. The violence didn’t stop there, as the establishment became embroiled in numerous fights and incidents over the years.
The crime wave surrounding this McDonald’s has continued into 2025. According to NYPD records, there have already been 29 calls to 911 from the location this year. The previous three years have seen more than 100 calls each year, with 121 in 2022 and 111 in 2024.
Residents who are familiar with the area aren’t surprised by the controversy. “If you’re from that area, you know that McDonald’s is horrible,” said Sania Bolasingh, a Flatbush native who recounted how people frequently fought inside, with some even resorting to stabbings. “It’s not just kids being kids. It’s out of control,” she added.
Bolasingh was taken aback when, after visiting the restaurant last week, one of the security guards requested her ID to allow her inside. She posted the incident on TikTok, calling it “crazy” and “sick.” Her video quickly garnered attention, showcasing the broader frustration in the community about the growing tensions.
However, others believe the drastic move is justified. “What do you expect a business owner to do?” Clyde Smith, a 48-year-old law clerk from Flatbush, remarked. “This was always a place where kids would cause trouble. I don’t blame them for trying something new to make the place safer.”
Though McDonald’s corporate office did not respond to requests for comment, the policy appears to be a response to both public safety concerns and a growing number of complaints from local residents and businesses alike.
Unbiased Opinion:
The decision to enforce ID checks at this Brooklyn McDonald’s is undeniably a bold attempt to curb the escalating violence, but it’s unlikely to solve the root causes of these problems. While it might provide a temporary solution for the business, it raises important questions about the responsibility of fast food chains to maintain a safe environment for all customers. More widespread community and law enforcement involvement might be needed to address the deeper issues, such as youth violence and lack of safe spaces for teenagers in urban areas. Ultimately, such a drastic measure could have unintended consequences, potentially alienating more customers or failing to address the systemic issues at play.
