McDonald’s store bans groups of kids and forced to hire bouncers after spate of violence
A MCDONALD’S restaurant in Wales has banned kids and hired bouncers after a spate of violence.
Youngsters will not be able to scoff their Big Macs inside, unless accompanied by an adult.
Instead, they will be escorted out by bouncers after being handed their grub.
The burger restaurant has slapped the ban on youngsters after 5pm, after cops have repeatedly been called.
The fast food chain, in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, has taken the drastic action after an array of brawls in McDonald’s outlets across the area.
A sign by the door reads: “Due to an increase in anti-social behaviour incidents over recent weeks, between the hours of 5 pm and 10 pm, no groups of youths unaccompanied by an adult will be permitted to stay in the restaurant.
“During these times youths will be permitted in to purchase food, wait to collect and then be required to leave immediately.
“We are working closely with Gwent Police to address this continuing issue.
“We apologise for having to implement these actions but the safeguarding of our staff and other customers is of utmost importance to us.”
VIOLENCE
Some customers have praised the ban.
Lee-Anne Lovley Wall said: “About time, they brought it upon themselves.”
Pat Smith blasted: “Again the minority spoiling things for all young people.”
Nigel Pritchard slammed: “Good, about time, they get away with everything these days.”
But teenagers have reacted furiously to the decision, after being made to wait in the freezing cold.
One said: “Terrible service, made us stand outside because we’re teenagers who have done nothing.
“Just wanted to eat our food, but instead we had to wait outside in the freezing cold.
“They need to understand that not all teenagers misbehave.”
BANNED
Last month, at the nearby restaurant in Newport, a huge brawl erupted amongst teenagers.
A man was filmed being assaulted and required medical attention.
It is not the first time McDonald’s has taken action to curb rowdy youths.
In Kent, in 2017, several branches banned under-21s from eating in the restaurant to stop gang violence.
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At the so-called “roughest” McDonald’s in London, the chain turned off the free wifi and started blasting out classical music.
Various franchises have tested playing Mozart and Beethoven, which the chain says encourages more acceptable behaviour.
McDonald’s has been contacted for comment on the Ebbw Vale youth ban.