Memphis restaurant bans customers under 30. People urge them to raise it even higher
While Prive hasn't explained the reason behind the policy, some customers pointed to the restaurant's history of violent incidents
Restaurants often update their policies to improve customers' dining experience, whether through dress codes, reservation rules, or age restrictions. One Memphis restaurant has now taken an unusual step by raising its minimum entry age to 30, and many locals are backing the decision. Like other bars in the area, the southeast Memphis bar-and-lounge, Prive, has welcomed people over 21 years old for the past several years. But now, individuals won’t be allowed to enter its dining room unless they are 30 or older, according to a new announcement by the restaurant reported on July 30, 2026, by FOX 13 Memphis News.
Hot-headed customers not allowed
Tucked near Brownbark Drive on Winchester Road, the restaurant’s entrance now displays a notice effective from August 1, 2026. “To enhance our dining experience, entry is restricted to guests 30 years of age and older. Please have a valid government-issued ID available upon arrival. We appreciate your cooperation,” the notice reads, as shared by the outlet. Local Reginald Bennett said the new policy was exactly what the restaurant needed.
Pulling the strings on bar brawls
Usually, the private restaurants in the state of Tennessee are permitted to set their unique age-based restrictions; the only catch being the rules need to be applied consistently. While Prive hasn't explained the reason behind the policy, some customers pointed to the restaurant's history of violent incidents. Over the past year, the Memphis Police Department recorded at least 13 incidents involving the establishment, according to FOX13. One of the most notable, in 2023, left two people dead.
Good for the locals
Like Reginald, Lakesha Bennett is also relieved that the restaurant will now be surrounded by people of her age. “The older crowd, they're kind of laid back, they're chill. They're not with all the riff-raff, so it'll be kind of good,” reflected Miss Bennett.
Hotspots for adolescent violence
Violence around bars and drinking establishments isn't uncommon. According to a study published in Alcohol Research & Health, the most severe instances of bar violence were towards men (30%), be it in general or those going to college. In contrast, 22% of women in general and 23% in college engaged in bar violence. In 2006, researchers Samantha Wells and Kathryn Graham of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health sent observers into 118 drinking establishments in Toronto for two hours over 25 weekend nights. The observers recorded at least one aggressive brawl in about 40% of the customer visits, according to the University of Toronto magazine.
'Those who go there and act a fool'
In this case particularly, viewers found it sad and ridiculous that the restaurant had to take such a step because customers refused to show decency and etiquette while dining. @starshipgraffiti commented, “Parents need to be held accountable for raising predators.” @weepingwarringprophetess said, “The only people who would be mad at this are those who go there and act a fool.” @Gober-r4q remarked, “Dress code may help, too.”
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