Restaurant sparks debate over bizarre age restriction rules for men and women

A Caribbean restaurant in St. Louis, Missouri, has divided the internet and local community after they posted about their strict rules online.

Going out to eat is a treat we all enjoy, and takes the stress out of cooking - and then the dreaded clean-up that follows.

Ever since surpassing the age of 18, it's rarely been a worry about a restaurant turning us away from the door - but not everyone can say the same thing.

Bliss Restaurant in St. Louis has come under fire for their unusual age-specific dining rules.

A now-viral Facebook post from the restaurant explained that the controversial stipulations were put in place because the restaurant created the policy to help them "maintain a sophisticated environment, uphold our standards, and support the sustainability of our unique ambiance."

In order to dine at Bliss Restaurant, women must be 30 or older, and men must be over 35. (Facebook/Bliss Restaurant)

The rule in question?

In order to dine at Bliss Restaurant, women must be 30 or older, and men must be over 35.

They wrote: "Recently, we have had incidents where our age requirement has been violated and put on social media. To reiterate, Bliss Caribbean Restaurant requires all guests to be 30 or older for women and 35 or older for men.

"Again we appreciate your support."

Assistant Manager Erica Rhodes told KSDK about the inspiration behind the decision.

The rules has divided customers. (Facebook/Bliss Restaurant)

She said: "The restaurant is 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."

Honestly, I'm starting to see their point.

Bliss owner, Marvin Pate, acknowledged the backlash but doubled down on their policy.

He said: "I think Bliss is a home away from home.

"You can come here and actually feel like you’re at a resort. People will feel like they’re on a vacation.”

He added: "Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that’s OK. We’re sticking to our code."

Some expressed a belief that the age restriction should be equal for all genders. (Facebook/Bliss Restaurant)

Bliss plan to soon offer to-go orders soon for those who don't meet the age requirements but want to enjoy their delicious food.

Over on Facebook, people were divided over the age requirements.

One person wrote: "Your spot, your rules, stand on it."

Another said: "Stop explaining y'all self if they don't get it then they will never understand. Rules are rules for a reason, if they can't respect it then oh well."

A third questioned: "Not a good long term plan. Now let's see what happens when you face a gender discrimination lawsuit..."

Seems a bit dramatic.

While a fourth chimed: "The age limit should be the same for men and women. It'll be easier for security to ID. He only have one year to focus on. However, I think the age limit should be raised to 40."