McDonald's in youth ban

Children under 16 could be banned from eating at one of Cannock's McDonald's restaurants unless they are with an adult in a drastic way of cracking down on booze-fuelled problems.

Bosses are looking at introducing the rule amid claims teenagers as young as 14 have been found drinking alcohol near the fast food restaurant in Hemlock Way, Heath Hayes.

Police have also identified the area outside Tesco in nearby Heath Way as a hotspot for underage youths to gather and drink.

In one incident the parents of a 14-year-old girl had to collect their daughter after she was found heavily drunk by officers.

Bosses at McDonald's have employed a security guard and are considering bringing in an age restriction as well as changes to its CCTV, lighting and outside areas after talking to police.

Steve Haywood, spokesman for McDonald's, said: "We are looking at an age restriction and also reviewing other police recommendations to see how we can best work together and tackle the problems caused by a thoughtless minority of customers at our Hemlock Way restaurant.

"Anti-social behaviour is not welcome at McDonald's." Tesco bosses have also held meetings with officers who have suggested a number of ways of deterring youths.

Inspector Mat Derrick, of Cannock police, said Heath Hayes was no worse than any other part of the country for underage drinking.

He said: "We are running Operation Closure across the whole of Cannock on Friday and Saturday nights where, rather than moving on young people, officers will seize any alcohol, take names and addresses and contact parents to get them to come and collect their children.

"Where that is not possible we will take the young person home ourselves so the parents can address issues with their children.