Aussie customers furious over new rule at McDonald’s
Having to purchase an item before using the toilet can be a frustrating policy that usually only exists in smaller cafes or stores.
However, one McDonald’s store in Queensland is making customers use a code at the bottom of their receipt to gain access to the toilets.
The Maroochydore store on the Sunshine Coast has received backlash on social media for the rule, with customers claiming it is already causing “accidents” and other near-misses.
Customer Kim shared a photo of a sign hanging on the bathroom door which showcases the store’s new policy.
The sign reads: “Toilets proudly provided for the use of McDonald’s customers. Code on bottom of receipt.”
Kim posted the photo to Facebook after going to McDonald’s for lunch with her 90-year-old grandmother.
Kim explained that her grandmother uses a walker to get around and said this meant it took them roughly five minutes to get to the toilets, only to realise they had to go back to the counter and wait for their food before using the bathroom.
“At least 10 or so minutes would have passed where a near 90-year-old has had to hold their bladder,” Kim wrote.
“They are lucky they didn't need to get out the mop and buckets. And probably lucky I didn't have my kids with me too.”
Kim believes the locks were introduced to stop drunk youths from vandalising the facilities, but said the rule was a “bit of an overkill”.
“Why can't the doors be unlocked until a later time like 8 pm or something to allow easy access to the bathrooms for kids, pregnant ladies and disabled or elderly people?” Kim wrote.
A couple of weeks earlier, customer Jo Anne slammed the rule on Facebook after her child had an “accident” because of the toilet locks.
“Today my child has an accident because you lock the toilets and only put the code on the receipt,” she said.
“They WERE customers who were using your facility and had decided (like plenty of other parents) to have a play in the playground before ordering their afternoon ice cream treat.”
Jo Anne said the store “failed” to meet the standard expectations of a McDonald’s restaurant.
A McDonald’s spokesperson responded to Jo Anne’s complaint saying they would raise the issue with the Maroochydore store.
A spokeswoman told the ABC that it is not McDonald’s policy to lock bathroom doors but a decision made by management of the store.
“The local licensee has made this decision, however, they are able to be opened for anyone who requires them,” she said.