People divided as McDonald's implements '30 minute rule' for customers

People have been left divided by a new rule implemented by McDonald’s.

No matter how much you might claim to want to avoid it, there’s no denying the fast-food chain is a staple on the British high street, a go-to at service stations across the UK and well, just the trusty spot for a treat for tea.

I mean, remember McDonald’s birthday parties? Perhaps some of you younger lot won’t have a clue what I’m on about but those things were an absolute banger to get an invite for.

Maccies is a bit of a family favourite really, with plenty of us growing up begging our parents to take us for a happy meal on the way home.

But the sign said to be spotted in a restaurant have been slammed as not a particularly ‘family friendly’ rule on Reddit.

Someone took to Reddit to point out a rule they spotted in a McDonald's branch (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

It’s not quite clear where in the world this was spotted, but it has been confirmed to LADbible that this is not a UK policy and it’s likely to be from the US.

Others in the comments shared that they’ve seen similar, as some agree with it being in place.

Essentially, the sign prohibits people from spending an extended amount of time inside the restaurant.

“Please – no loitering,” it reads. “Time limit: 30 minutes while consuming food. The manager must enforce this rule, your cooperation is appreciated.”

The user who shared the post this week said it was the second McDonald’s like this that they’d visited in less than a week as they explained: “Only five tables in the restaurant, no self serve drink machine, no condiments out, not even [a] napkin dispenser…

“What happened to McDonald’s being a family friendly restaurant for kids to play at like in the 90s?”

But some users suggested that perhaps the rule helps to make things family friendly, as one wrote: “Here is the answer. Just don’t be a problem and just use the dining room to eat.

“There are probably groups of teenage kids who cause issues and are there for too long. They want the dining room to be … family friendly.”

Many suggested it’s to give staff ‘a way to remove the people actually harassing guests’ as others say it’s ‘to remove the homeless and teens’.

One also wrote: “It's so they can get rid of the people who order a small coke, ask for infinity refills and plant themselves in one spot for hours while using the free Wi-Fi and a/c.”

Others pointed out that ‘these signs have been around for a very long time’.

LADbible Group has contacted McDonald’s US for comment.