We over-40 “veterans” are already too old for most clubs, but if the initiative of one Japanese bar gains international traction, bars may become off-limits as well. Japanese news outlets have reported that an izakaya-style bar in Shibuya only accepts patrons between the ages of 20 and 39. That sounds like a sure way to limit sales, but according to the owner, that is a sacrifice they’re willing to make.
TV Asahi recently visited the controversial bar to see if the rumors about its age-restriction were true. And, sure enough, the sign warning that the venue was aimed at the younger generations was still in place, in a very visible place near the entrance. According to Asahi, the sign did its job, as, during their visit, 90% of patrons were in their 20s.
Photo: Romeo A./Unsplash
“Basically, our customers are young, so when older customers visit, complaints about the noise increase. We wanted to narrow our target demographic from the start to create a space where everyone can enjoy themselves comfortably,” a bar employee explained the decision to hang up the sign.
One of the young patrons interviewed by Asahi welcomed the initiative, saying, “Since it’s only young people, we can enjoy ourselves without worrying about disturbing others even if we get loud.”
The owner of the bar clarified that people over 40 are not banned from entering, but the sign is meant to warn them about the atmosphere inside, and to avoid tensions with the younger patrons.
“Even if someone is over 40, we welcome them if they are young at heart, the bar owner said, adding that the staff usually tells older patrons from the start, “The bar might be noisy, is that okay?” and allows them in if they have no objections.
