--- scripts\restaurant\restaurant.gd
+++ scripts\restaurant\restaurant.gd
@@ -4265,18 +4265,21 @@
 # --- Sortie de file ---------------------------------------------------------
 
 func _seat_from_queue() -> void:
-	# Sans de quoi cuisiner, faire entrer la file ne produit qu'un défilé de
-	# clients qui franchissent la porte et repartent aussitôt, un par un.
-	if not _can_accept_arrivals():
+	# Guests wait outside until furniture positions are final.
+	if build_mode_is_active():
 		return
 	while not queue.is_empty():
+		var next_customer := _live(queue[0]) as Customer
+		if next_customer == null or next_customer.state != Customer.State.QUEUED:
+			queue.remove_at(0)
+			continue
+		# Use the doorway rule for this guest: exclusive visits do not require
+		# an open dining room or food, while ordinary arrivals still do.
+		if not can_customer_cross_door(next_customer):
+			return
 		var table_index := _find_open_table()
 		if table_index < 0:
 			return
-		var next_customer: Customer = queue[0]
-		if not is_instance_valid(next_customer) or next_customer.state != Customer.State.QUEUED:
-			queue.remove_at(0)
-			continue
 		queue.remove_at(0)
 		var table: Dictionary = tables[table_index]
 		table.customers[0] = next_customer