Dressing down at McDonald's

It was after midnight at around 1 a.m. on June 3, 2000 at McDonald's restaurant in Sarinah building on Jl. M.H. Thamrin. I was standing by the front entrance chatting with some fellows when I overheard a dispute between McDonald's civilian-dressed security guard and a female customer. The guard was halting her from entering the venue saying that the way she dressed might scare other customers away despite her plea that she was starving and showing him some cash. Then I turned around to observe and I noticed she even dropped her belongings outside the restaurant just to be able to get into the place and have supper.

I was wondering why a dress code rule should be applied to those who are not so "smartly" dressed? McDonald's management should be more sensitive in these situations.

I felt terrible when I could not defend her. I just hope that by now she has tasted the burger that she was dreaming of.

DENIS

Jakarta