McDonald’s has significantly bulked-up security at one notoriously “rough” east coast store, which has in the past been described by customers as “dangerous”, after a recent review into safety standards with staff and stakeholders.
Footage emerged on social media this week showing ceiling-to-counter plexiglass had been installed at the registers at the King Street McDonald’s in Newcastle, NSW. The 24-hour restaurant, situated in the heart of the city, garnered attention earlier this year after video surfaced showing the shocking state it had been left in one night, seemingly by rowdy customers.
Speaking to Yahoo News, a McDonald’s Australia spokesperson said the fast-food heavyweight recently reviewed safety procedures in place at the outlet, after consultation with its staff, customers and members of the community.
The King Street location was earlier in the year filmed in a shocking state. Source: TikTok
Newcastle McDonald’s notorious for drunken, dangerous behaviour, customers say
Those reviews appear to have resulted in the added safety measure being erected, with Australians online commending the approach — though some said it was “sad” the extra security was necessary.
“King Street Maccas has been the place for late-night violence … I’m actually surprised it took this long for them to do something to ensure the safety of their staff,” one local wrote on social media.
“Sad that this is necessary, but it is,” another said. “I was employed there as a bouncer back in the late 80s, it’s always been a focal point for drunken dickheads,” echoed a third.
“Good. Staff deserve a safe workplace,” somebody else commented.
According to the McDonald’s spokesperson, safety measures across all Australian branches are regularly assessed. “Ensuring our restaurants are safe, welcoming places for our people and customers is a top priority for McDonald’s,” they said.
“We regularly review and proactively implement new safety and security measures as needed, to ensure our restaurants are spaces that our people and the community can enjoy.”
In January, McDonald’s Australia told Yahoo News the King Street location then had “a number of safety procedures” in place to protect the “safety and wellbeing” of staff, including 24-hour CCTV surveillance, alarm systems and security guards working overnight shifts from Friday to Sunday.
“McDonald’s has a zero-tolerance policy for anti-social behaviour and expects our restaurants, people and customers to be treated with respect and decency at all times,” they said at the time.
“We are working with the restaurant to ensure we continue to provide a safe and clean restaurant, and a great customer experience.”
In September, 2023, King Street McDonald’s made headlines after a 23-year-old man who had been attacked and set on fire sought help from staff there.
In 2019, a brawl erupted at the branch, with video showing thickshakes and punches being thrown as horrified patrons, including young families, watched on.
The vast majority of employees at McDonald’s are young people, with approximately 75 per cent of the crew in secondary school, TAFE or university.
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