Should Montana Implement An Age Minimum For Restaurants?

In case you missed it yesterday, Great Falls police responded to an incident that took place near Phoenix Apartments involving juveniles that resulted in two individuals getting transferred to the hospital for injuries stemming from a gunshot and stabbing.

The circumstances surrounding the incident raise an important question that many of us should be asking for the sake of surrounding businesses.

A Serious Incident Involving Juveniles Unfolds in Great Falls

According to the original post from Great Falls police, "Community members may notice a large police presence near 10th Ave S and 18th St S, as we are investigating a juvenile disturbance. Two people have been transported to the emergency department for a possible gunshot wound and a possible stab wound."

Police later shared in an update that they had the "primary persons of interest" in custody.

With an incident as serious as that involving juveniles and being so close to neighboring restaurants, should there be new measures put in place to protect them from future incidents?

Should Minors Be Restricted From Entering Restaurants In Montana Unsupervised?

While the incident took place near Phoenix Apartments, it also took place near restaurants like McDonald's, Starbucks, and even Subway. Now, it should come as no surprise that teens like to hang out at places like these for a small snack or drink and in some cases, don't spend all that much money when they do.

READ MORE: Can You Legally Pet A Random Cow In Montana?

We all know that if left on their own without adult supervision, teens can get a little rambunctious and in some instances, can cause issues whether it's due to the latest chase for "likes" on social media, lack of emotional intelligence, or even disputes like we saw take place yesterday.

Should there be a new mandatory age minimum requirement to get into restaurants and fast-food chains without a parent or guardian present?

A McDonald's In New York City Implements Age Requirement For Customers

Earlier this year, a report from Newsweek revealed that a McDonald's location in New York is not allowing anyone under 20 years old inside "without a parent or identification" in an effort to cut down on illegal activity taking place on their premises.

Granted, this isn't a state-mandated rule but it goes to show some restaurants around the country aren't afraid to put their own rules in place to protect their business and customers.

Do you think restaurants in Montana should do the same?

Let us know your thoughts HERE.