Chirk McDonalds drive-thru to reopen on Wednesday – with new guidance on how to use it

Yesterday McDonalds announced they were reopening their Drive-Thrus, and have now confirmed the opening date for their Chirk restaurant.

From 3rd June the restaurant will reopen its Drive Thru lane operating from 11am – 10pm, with new measures in place to keep employees and customers safe.

In a statement from a communications officer from McDonalds they say, “With smaller restaurant teams adjusting to new procedures to enable safe working and social distancing, things may take a little longer – and high demand is anticipated. With this demand and adjusted speed of service, we are mindful that queues may develop at the Drive Thru lane.”

“We want to reassure you that we are doing what we can to manage demand and will work closely with our local authority and the police, and may determine that it is necessary to close the Drive Thru lane if queues cause disruption at busier sites or put employees or customers at risk.”

McDonalds have said they are introducing a number of changes to their restaurants, including:

• Social distancing has been introduced in the kitchens and service areas to help create a safe working environment for restaurant teams.
• Perspex screens at Drive Thru windows and employees wearing protective equipment, as well as Perspex screens and floor markings in specific areas in the restaurant and kitchen.
• All McDonald’s employees will be asked to confirm they are fit and able to work, and wellness checks will be carried out.
• Contactless thermometers will be used to take employee temperatures on arrival at work for every shift.
• Restaurants will return with smaller teams, offering a limited menu and operating reduced hours.
• Capped spend in Drive Thrus at £25 per car and customers are encouraged to pay by contactless payment methods wherever possible.
• Ensuring delivery procedures with couriers is contactless for both staff and our customers

One issue raised on social media as soon as the reopening was mentioned was litter, with the spokesperson noting, “I also want to reassure you that we continue to take the issue of litter very seriously. Our restaurant teams have collected litter for more than 30 years, and we will continue to do so when we reopen our doors. Our restaurant teams will carry out at least three daily litter picks in the areas around our restaurants, collecting all litter, not just McDonald’s packaging.”

“Whilst we are excited to be reopening our drive-thru lanes, it’s important to us that this is done in the right way and that we remain compliant with Welsh Government guidance. As that guidance changes, we will continue to revisit and adapt our approach, but the safety and wellbeing of our employees and our customers will always be our number one priority.”