This feels like a stupid question.
SF, CA, USA: I manage a very large restaurant for a very large restaurant group. Recently an email went out saying that we aren't allowed to be friends with or hook up with the staff. I get the hook up part, whatever. But, in the email, they threatened discipline action if we were found to be friends.
Most of my experience is in more private dining and so personal relationships are very very normal. As long as the job is getting done with no issues, favoritisms, etc… are they allowed to 'discipline' us for being friends with staff?