Bliss, a Caribbean restaurant in Florissant, near St. Louis, Missouri, has recently sparked controversy due to its unique minimum age requirements for diners. Women must be at least 30 years old to enter, while men must be at least 35.
Legally, restaurants in the United States can impose age limits since age is not a protected class in this context. Yet although it is relatively common for restaurants to exclude children in certain circumstances, especially in the evenings, an age restriction affecting adults is unusual.
Opened in May 2024 by the husband-and-wife team of Marvin and Tina Pate (both 42), Bliss offers an upmarket dining experience with Caribbean and West African cuisine, complete with trendy cocktails, hookahs, DJ nights, a dance floor, and a self-described “grown and sexy vibe.” The restaurant justified its age policy on Facebook, stating that it was designed to ensure a "mature, sophisticated, and safe dining environment for everyone."
To enforce the policy, staff check IDs to prevent anyone under the age limit from slipping in unnoticed. The restaurant’s uncommon restriction has brought significant attention, with mixed reactions, though if the saying “any publicity is good publicity” is to be believed, it’s likely attracted at least some new patrons who are simply curious to see what the fuss is all about.
Some critics on social media have argued that the focus on age is misplaced, suggesting that unruly behavior can occur at any stage of life. The distinct age requirements for men and women have also struck a (mostly unpleasant) chord with people who find that aspect of the policy inherently unfair; furthermore, imposing different age limits based on sex might even be illegal under the Missouri Human Rights Act.
On the other hand, many patrons appreciate a “mature,” age-specific environment, not just as a respite from noisy children but also from potentially antisocial behavior from younger adults. Assistant manager Erica Rhodes told a local news outlet, “It’s just something for older people to come do and have a happy hour, get some good food, and not worry about the younger folks who bring some of that drama.”
Sorry, no entry:
- Other restaurants and clubs have drawn scrutiny for similar age policies, such as Horizons & More in San Antonio (30 and up). Others reserve certain nights of the week for slightly older patrons, such as the Auction House in New York (25 and up on Friday and Saturday nights).
- Until May 2024, the Garrick Club in London's West End did not permit women to join the all-male private members' club. Founded in 1831, the institution had been scrutinized for its outdated membership policy. However, after reinterpreting the legal wording surrounding membership, members have now voted to allow women into their ranks.
- At many luxury dining restaurants, customers can be turned away if their clothing does not match the establishment's dress code. Similarly, you might be refused entry to a nightclub for appearing too casual or wearing sneakers or flip-flops.
