Missouri restaurant divides customers with extreme age restrictions to 'avoid drama' and allow 'older folks' to enjoy happy hour
A restaurant in Missouri has taken exclusivity to new levels by imposing age restrictions on customers to prevent 'drama' and allow 'older folks' to enjoy happy hour in peace.
Men must be at least 35 to dine at Bliss in St Louis whereas women are allowed in from the age of 30.
Owner Marvin Pate, who only just qualifies himself at the tender age of 36, said the restriction has created an atmosphere of 'pure utopia' for his greying customers.
But the unusual age bar has left a nasty taste in the mouth of less seasoned diners.
The restaurant in Florissant specializes in West African and Caribbean food and promises a 'sophisticated environment' and a 'unique ambiance'.
The establishment has caught the attention of others in the restaurant trade with some suggesting the idea could be extended
Owner Marvin Pate - who only just qualifies himself at the age of 36 - acknowledged not everyone has been understanding
'It's just something for the older people to come do and have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about some of the young folks that bring some of that drama,' Assistant Manager Erica Rhodes said.
'Of course, we have been getting a little backlash,' Pate admitted. 'But that's OK because we're sticking to our code.
'It represents pure happiness and pure utopia. It's a home away from home. You can come here and feel like you're actually on a resort.'
And many diners who do qualify have given a rapturous response to the idea.
'Love this!' wrote Kathy Mein. 'Nothing worse than going out for a celebratory/romantic dinner and having kids at the next table.'
'Have to admit I would make a reservation there in the blink of an eye!' wrote Roxanne Mailloux.
'If you are from St Louis you would understand,' added Jessica Brown. 'The amount of violence that goes on here is crazy, especially if people are drinking.
'Bliss doesn't want their s*** tore up or employees injured because people wanna fight over petty s***.'
Everyone who enters has to show their identification to a hostess or a St Louis County police officer after 7pm from Wednesday to Sunday
The upmarket outlet in Florissant specializes in West African and Caribbean food and promises a 'sophisticated environment' and a 'unique ambiance'
Owner Marvin Pate, who only just qualifies himself at the tender age of 36, said the restriction has created an atmosphere of 'pure utopia' for his greying customers
Still more took issue with the restaurant allowing woman in five years earlier than men.
'So Leonardo DiCaprio could go but his girlfriend could not,' remarked Jonathan Bowen.
'I'm guessing the 30/35 difference is due to the uncomfortable fact that most dudes seem to mature a bit slower than women lol,' wrote Jonathan Edward Smith.
'I know way more 30 year-old women with their s*** together than I do men who are the same age.'
'I don't disagree with their choice, but why 30 for women and 35 for men?' demanded Alison L Smith.
'That's the only thing that bothers me. Why couldn't it be just one set age for both genders?'
Others warned that the outfit may have chosen too blunt a tool if they are trying to avoid disruptive diners.
'I know some 40, 50, 60 year old adolescents and some 21-35 who act better than them in public in a dining/bar environment,' wrote Rico Bucci.
'Some places it will work other places it won't.'
'If it was a place banning people 55+ there'd be outrage,' wrote Elizabeth Bizios on Facebook.
But it has caught the attention of others in the restaurant trade with some suggesting the idea could be extended.
'Since my customers don't read the menu I suggested a sign at the door that says you must be literate to come in here and I got told that would be discrimination,' wrote Andrew Bromund.
'If this can fly, my idea should be able to as well.'
'It's just something for the older people to come do and have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about some of the young folks that bring some of that drama,' Assistant Manager Erica Rhodes said
'Trust me when I say I'm from this area and I've worked in the industry for 20 years and it's been implemented for a reason,' added Becky Dowling. 'Smart on them to do this.'
Others felt that the restaurant may have misjudged its market.
'I just can't get over 'upscale' and 'Florissant' in the same sentence,' wrote Melissa Mowday. 'Born and raised and extremely confused lol.'
'I think you have to be 75 to actually live in Florissant Missouri,' claimed Janel Kane.
But the blowback has not phased Pate who says he looks forward to welcoming those too young to dine.
'Those younger ones, you can come patronize the business once you turn 30 or 35, because we're gonna be here for a while,' he said.
