Bliss Restaurant, a new Caribbean dining spot in Florissant, Missouri, has recently caused a stir with its controversial age restriction policy. Since announcing the policy on May 26, the restaurant has attracted significant attention online, generating both support and criticism. According to the post, women must be at least 30 years old, and men must be at least 35 years old to dine at the restaurant. The goal, as stated by Bliss, is to create a "grown and sexy atmosphere."
The Age Divide
Bliss, managed by Marvin Pate and his partner, has implemented age limits that are quite different from what people are used to. While most places only enforce the legal drinking age, Bliss has set its own age requirements for entry. Women must be at least 30 years old to dine there, and men must be at least 35. This unique policy has surprised many and sparked a lot of discussion.
“As a black-owned business, Bliss Caribbean Restaurant is dedicated to providing North County with an upscale dining experience,” Bliss Restaurant wrote in a post on Facebook, adding that the restriction ensures a “grown and sexy atmosphere.”
The restaurant lists three reasons for the policy: that it creates a “mature and relaxed” atmosphere for its guests, that the restriction allows staff to focus on quality and that the policy “ensures our restaurant remains a premier destination for those seeking an upscale Caribbean dining experience.”
“This policy helps us maintain a sophisticated environment, uphold our standards, and support the sustainability of our unique ambiance,” Bliss claimed. Bliss later added in a June 7 post that its Friday happy hour is "strictly for the grown and sexy, so we're keeping it classy—ladies 30 and up, fellas 35 and up."
Public Reaction
The public's response to Bliss Restaurant's age restriction policy has been mixed. Some people appreciate the effort to create a space for mature adults to enjoy a meal without the noise and disruptions often associated with younger patrons. They see it as a positive step toward offering a peaceful and upscale dining environment.
On the other hand, some critics argue that age does not always equal maturity. They point out that many adults over 30 can still behave immaturely. Additionally, some feel that the policy is exclusionary and unfairly targets younger people.
Erica Rhodes, the assistant manager, and Marvin Pate, the co-owner, shared their reasons for the age restrictions in an interview with local NBC affiliate KDSK, “It’s just something for the older people to come to and have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about so many young folks that bring some of that drama,” Rhodes said.
Owner Marvin Pate also told the station, as reported by Today.com, “Of course, we have been getting a little backlash, but that’s okay, because we sticking to our code.”
The station also noted that after 7 pm on Wednesdays through Sundays, patrons entering the restaurant must show their ID to a hostess or a St. Louis County police officer.
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