In a move that has stirred significant online debate, a new restaurant in Florissant, Missouri, has implemented strict age restrictions for its patrons. Bliss, an upscale dining establishment offering Caribbean and West African cuisine, requires women to be at least 30 years old and men to be at least 35 to enter. This policy aims to create a sophisticated atmosphere devoid of younger patrons, whom the owners feel might detract from the desired dining experience.
Bliss, which opened in May 2024, was established by Marvin Pate and his wife. The restaurant seeks to provide a "grown and sexy" environment, a phrase that has since sparked considerable attention and criticism online. Pate emphasizes that the age restrictions are essential to maintain the upscale and serene ambiance of the restaurant, likening it to a resort-like experience.
36 year old man from Missouri opened up a restaurant & he has an age requirement in order to “avoid drama” and allow older folks to enjoy happy hour
– Men must be 35 to dine at Bliss
– Women must be the age of 30pic.twitter.com/1ZHbpXxtw6
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) June 6, 2024
The restaurant's assistant manager, Erica Rhodes, explained that the policy is designed to offer older adults a place to enjoy good food and happy hour without the "drama" often associated with younger crowds. "It's just something for the older people to come do, have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring some of that drama," she stated.
Despite the intentions behind the policy, the age restriction has received mixed reactions from the public. Some applaud the idea, appreciating a venue that caters specifically to a mature audience. One supporter mentioned, "Love this because not only is it for the mature crowd but it makes you wanna go out again without the nonsense." Others, however, find the age limits arbitrary and exclusionary, with one critic commenting, "I guarantee there are plenty of young adults with enough maturity to not cause drama in a restaurant".
A new restaurant in the St. Louis area has a unique twist. A rule to keep younger patrons out only allows men over 35-years-old and women above the age of 30. The reason? To maintain a mature atmosphere like those at some adults-only resorts.
Link: https://t.co/YAEJlzxtMl pic.twitter.com/RplQ7Z0q2w— FOX2now (@FOX2now) June 21, 2024
Bliss enforces the age policy strictly. Patrons are required to show identification upon entry, and those who do not meet the age requirements are asked to leave. This enforcement has been consistent since the restaurant's opening and has contributed to the ongoing discussion about the appropriateness and impact of such age-based policies in dining establishments.
Pate acknowledges the backlash but remains steadfast in maintaining the policy. "Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that's OK, we're sticking to our code," he stated. He believes that the policy supports the restaurant’s mission to provide a unique and high-quality dining experience for an older clientele.
Bliss's policy is part of a broader trend where establishments create niche environments to cater to specific demographics. While it is not uncommon for restaurants and clubs to have age restrictions, Bliss's decision to set the bar at 30 for women and 35 for men is notably higher than typical age limits, which usually range from 18 to 21.
As the debate continues, Bliss remains committed to its vision, confident that its policy will attract and retain a loyal customer base that values the exclusive, mature atmosphere the restaurant aims to provide.
