A Dundee KFC restaurant has banned under-18s after 6pm following a spate of anti-social behaviour.
Children are no longer allowed into the Murraygate outlet in the evening unless they are with an adult.
It comes as staff have reportedly been subjected to abuse and have had to deal with unruly behaviour.
One customer says he saw teenagers being knocked back from the restaurant at around 7pm one day.
I never thought I’d see kids requiring ID to buy chicken”
KFC customer
He said: “There were at least 20 kids outside one night earlier this month, all in their early teens.
“I went into the shop and kids were trying to buy items and the staff were saying: ‘You know we can’t serve you.’
“One young lad was claiming he was old enough before getting knocked back.
“I never thought I’d see kids requiring ID to buy chicken.
Anti-social behaviour at KFC ‘unacceptable’
“The staff were letting the kids use the toilet but they weren’t getting served.”
It comes just days after Police Scotland announced it is ramping up patrols in the city centre due to rising instances of anti-social behaviour.
Last month, three teens – including a 13-year-old boy – were charged after setting fire to bins near Murraygate.
And a week ago, yobs dropped items on to cars near the city centre.
Sheena Wellington, secretary of City Centre and Harbour Community Council, says it is not a new problem – but has branded the behaviour “unacceptable”.
She said: “We are aware of the problems in the city centre just now.
“After the lockdown periods, there is maybe an element of some kids letting off steam and going into town.
“That is no excuse, however, to be abusive or behave in an anti-social fashion in these premises.”
KFC says it has introduced the ban to protect the safety of its staff.
Our Murraygate restaurant has seen some behaviour from guests that the colonel wouldn’t be proud of”
KFC spokeswoman
A spokeswoman told The Courier: “We strongly believe they deserve the right to work in an environment which is free from threat and abuse.
“Our Murraygate restaurant has seen some behaviour from guests that the colonel wouldn’t be proud of.
“For the time being, any under-18s visiting our coop after 6pm must be accompanied by an adult, and we’re running a strict door policy.
“We’re aware of the wider issues facing Dundee city centre and are keen to work with Police Scotland and the local council on how we can ensure everyone feels safe in the area.”
Police Scotland says it is aware of issues involving groups of youths at Murraygate – including a complaint “involving items being set on fire within a restaurant” last Monday.
A spokeswoman added: “Officers are engaging with staff and will be patrolling the area frequently.”
