A UK McDonald's has banned all under-18s from the restaurant after 5pm in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The branch, located on Lord St in Liverpool may set a precedent as the restaurant has imposed restrictions following a number of incidents. While rules have not been imposed in Scottish branches, the fast-food chain says they have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to crime and anti-social behaviour.
Under-18s who want to visit the branch must be accompanied by an adult. If they are not, they will be turned away by security.
The decision has come as employees were being "subjected to verbal and physical abuse". The restrictions are temporary, and the fast-food chain says they are working with local police to find a way to help reduce incidents.
One customer told the Echo : "As I was leaving the security guard stopped a man he believed to be a teenager and told him they weren't allowing people under 18 into the restaurant after 5pm without an adult with them.
"The man told the security guard he was in his 20s so he apologised and explained that the new company policy meant he couldn't let groups of teens in on their own."
They added: "I was in town the night before and there were large groups of kids all over Liverpool One and they were moved on a number of times by security near the cinema and in Chavasse Park."
A McDonald's spokesperson said: "Over recent weeks, we have seen an increase in the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area with our people being subjected to verbal and physical abuse. We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to crime and anti-social behaviour, and have temporarily restricted restaurant access to U18s from 5pm.
"This decision was not taken lightly and we are working closely with the police to find a resolution and help reduce these incidents."
Do you think this rule could be extended to Scottish branches? Let us know in the comments.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
