A McDonald's branch in Ebbw Vale, Wales, has introduced a ban on unaccompanied young people eating inside the restaurant after 5pm, following a rise in disruptive behaviour that has led to police involvement.
The fast-food chain put up a sign stating that youths not accompanied by an adult will be permitted to purchase food but must leave immediately after collecting their order between 5pm and 10pm. The restaurant said it is working with Gwent Police to address the issue, which has been prevalent in recent weeks.
The move comes after several incidents at McDonald's restaurants in the area, including a mass brawl at the Blackwood branch that led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man. Similar problems have been reported in Liverpool, where a branch on Rice Lane had its windows smashed, leaving customers terrified.
A sign at the Ebbw Vale restaurant reads: 'Due to an increase in anti-social behaviour incidents over recent weeks, between the hours of 5pm and 10pm, no groups of youths unaccompanied by an adult will be permitted to stay in the restaurant.' It added that the safeguarding of staff and customers is of utmost importance.
The decision has been praised on social media by customers who say they are fed up with anti-social behaviour. McDonald's has not commented on whether the policy will be extended to other branches.
