A McDonald's in Pembrokeshire is only allowing takeaways for youths after 4pm because of anti-social behaviour.
The fast food branch at Pembroke Dock made the decision to ban unaccompanied youths from dining in at the restaurant after what the branch described as 'actions of a minority'
In a post on social media, the branch announced its decision, which was taken due to ongoing abusive and threatening behaviour towards staff, as well as property damage.
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The post reads: "Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision that from 4pm it is take out only for any youths.
"This is due to the behaviour and actions of the minority, however our staff and public safety is paramount and we have had numerous incidents and damages to our restaurant recently. This is a situation that will be monitored closely and as soon as we feel appropriate it will be removed. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support."
A McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed that the ban would only be temporary, and once the 'trouble makers' had been identified and banned from the premises, the dining area would be re-opened to all.
The McDonald's spokesperson said: “The safety and security of our people and our customers is our absolute priority. It is extremely disappointing that the actions of a small number of customers have led to the team at our Pembroke Dock restaurant to ask unaccompanied teenage customers to use our take away service only for a limited time.
"We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to crime and anti-social behaviour, and we are fully co-operating with the police, local authorities and other businesses to identify and issue bans to the group of troublemakers responsible.”
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "Dyfed-Powys Police’s neighbourhood policing team in Pembroke Dock have been made aware of recent anti-social behaviour in the Pembrokeshire Retail Park. We are working with businesses to identify any alleged offenders and ensure that appropriate actions can be taken."
Sergeant Lewis Simpson said: “The neighbourhood policing team will regularly patrol the area and engage with all the businesses to ensure that the community can enjoy their services without having concerns for anti-social behaviour.
"Anyone identified as being involved in this behaviour will be issued with an anti-social behaviour warning letter, which can be addressed to their parent/guardian, with further action taken for any repeat offenders.
"We have issued eleven warning letters following recent incidents within the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock town centres. We have continued to engage with the victims of these incidents and, thankfully, they have stated that the anti-social behaviour that they experienced has now stopped.
"We will continue to take action to reduce anti-social behaviour, both within the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock areas, and I would urge anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour to report it to us.”
You can report incidents to Dyfed-Powys Police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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