Experts: Restaurant curbs forcing minors to fast food joints

(MENAFN- Arab News) JEDDAH: Some restaurants in the Eastern Province have banned minors from entering their premises without their parents. A number of five-star European restaurants also follow the same rule in an effort to curb noise and disorder that minors can cause.
A nutrition expert has said that a decision like this may be forcing teenagers to source their meals from fast-food joints.
'The decision to prevent those aged below 18 years from restaurants has been made in order to provide peace and quiet to other customers and to avoid any unfavorable appearances by the restaurant management. Some believe that the decision was based on security grounds yet this is not true' Naji Shaban a restaurant manager in Dammam was quoted as saying by a local publication.
Shaban confirmed that the decision to ban minors was issued by the restaurant managements and not by officials of government or semi-government bodies noting that government bodies often urge restaurants to receive families not individuals.
Amjad Abdul Karim a supervisor at a chain restaurant said that not allowing children to enter restaurants without their parents is a procedure that should fit the services provided. 'Lately we have noticed that minors go to restaurants without their parents. This is a big responsibility that should not lay on the shoulders of the restaurant management alone. We have taken this step because it is in the best interests of the families who often do not know that their children frequent restaurants with their friends making a fuss and a buzz all around' he said.