I saw this pub sign, which said ‘age limit 55+’ —- I checked it out and only people 55+ are allowed in the bar and restaurant. I wonder if that is legal? On the plus side, dogs are welcome!
And the age limit is no joke. They are strict about it. ‘Some people think we are joking, but we have had to turn people away. Someone was 52 years old and wanted to come in, and the answer was that he could come back in three years. It doesn’t help to have a guardian with him either’, says Ahmet Özdemir [the owner] with a laugh.
How would they know you are 55 or older? Do you have to produce a birth certificate or some other identity, I wonder. Some people look young for their age.
In Sweden you have to show ID for everything so they may ask for that. Or perhaps just take your word for it. Swedes are very trusting – rather too trusting in today’s world I feel.
Having an age limit can be good sometimes but this is a bit extreme. Are people who are over 55 quieter (or rowdier???). Is there really a big difference between someone who is 52 and someone who is 55? I teach kids and there can be big differences between someone who is 15 (very giggly for girls) and someone who is 17 (quieter, more thoughtful). Also not having children in an adult venue (like a pub or a cruise) can make sense. Does the owner explain why +55?
Several patrons in their mid to late 70s were interviewed, and they said they find ‘young people’ (defined as 18 year olds) get very loud, particularly late in the evening. Also that they are glued to their phones.
I can see the point. Maybe they could lower the age to +40? I think that forbidding a 52 year old from entering the bar was a bit much… At the same time, it’s his bar and I guess he can do what he wants!…
I was surprised it was not considered age discrimination, but my guess is not many young people would be interested in a bar populated by oldies.