US McDonald's location bans kids due to 'repeated incidents of student violence'

A McDonald's location in the United States has decided to implement an age requirement for dine-in service following "repeated incidents of student violence."

In order to enter the Fairfax County, Virginia restaurant diners must be over 21 years old, though children are still allowed if accompanied by an adult.

"Due to repeated incidents of student violence, this McDonald's location is temporarily closed for dine-in service to anyone under 21 years of age," a sign on the door reads, per ABC 7. "This decision was made to protect our staff, our guests, and our community."

Adults are advised to "ring the doorbell" to be let in.

The policy was announced May 9, and will be in place Monday to Friday until further notice. According to ABC 7, the incidents in question were occurring "at least once a week," and involved students from nearby Thomas Edison high school "taking over the dining room, getting into fights, trashing the bathroom, [and] throwing their garbage all over the place." Administrators informed students, and urged them to improve their behaviour.

"They're just trying to stop the violence," a local diner told the outlet. "It's not fair to any other customer who comes in there, a hardworking person gotta put up with a bunch of idiots."

The drive-thru will remain open to customers of all ages.