A disabled man has spoken of his anger after he was refused service at a McDonald's drive-thru because he was on a mobility scooter.
Mark Waite, from Gosport, Hampshire, just wanted a burger but was turned away after staff claimed they weren't allowed to serve customers on scooters.
The 50-year-old, who suffers from lupus and osteoporosis, pointed out that he uses a road-worthy class 3 mobility scooter which is registered to the DVLA and is a valid mode of transport under McDonald's policy.
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Mr Waite said his health conditions had kept him awake until the early hours and so he decided to head over to his nearby Maccies to try out the new Saver Menu burger.
With the restaurant closed, the former factory worker used the drive-thru window.
Recalling his shock at being refused his meal, Mr Waite said: "I was having a hard time sleeping so I went down to the docks and thought I would get some food on the way back.
"There was one car in front of me, and I let them do their thing, and there wasn't a car behind me.
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"It registered on their sensor that I was in a vehicle - but then I was told they don't serve mobility scooters.
"I explained to the gentleman at the window that my scooter is a DVLA registered vehicle but I was told, 'sorry sir, it's a mobility scooter, we don't serve them'.
"I cannot drive because of the pain medication I am on - I need liquid morphine.
"No disabled person should have to feel like their disability is their fault. It has put me off visiting that branch."
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He added: "It made me feel ashamed that I'm disabled and the way I was treated, I feel like I was being discriminated.
"There are many different styles of mobility scooter. This one's a class 3, DVLA approved, it can be driven on the road, it's insured and taxed.
"Once I explained to them that it's a class 3, they should have accepted that and taken the order and let me be on my way."
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According to the McDonald's website, 'drive-through lanes are custom built for motor cars, vans, trucks and road-worthy mobility scooters'.
After hearing about the incident, McDonald's has apologised to Mr Waite and said staff were unaware he had a valid scooter.
A spokesman said: "We'd like to apologise to the customer in question.
"We have reminded the team of the procedure to ensure this does not happen again. Staff have now apologised to this customer directly."
Featured Image Credit: Solent NewsTopics: Food, Transport, McDonald's