7 rules for McDonald’s walk-in takeaway including a ban on couples and longer queues

MCDONALD’S is reopening “many” of its restaurants for walk-in takeaway, but there are rules you’ll need to follow next time you visit.

The fast food chain stopped allowing walk-in customers at the start of the third lockdown in January.

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It means until now, customers have only been able to order food for delivery via Just Eat and Uber Eats, or through drive-thru lanes.

McDonald’s said it took the decision to close for takeaway while it reviews extra safety measures to keep workers and customers safe.

The fast food chain hasn’t revealed a full list of restaurants that are reopening for walk-in customers, so be sure to check in with your local first to check if they’re fully open.

McDonald’s has around 1,300 across the UK.

You can find your nearest one by using its restaurant finder tool.

Before you visit your nearest Maccies, we round up the Covid-secure rules you’ll need to follow:

1. Visit restaurants alone if you can

In an update emailed to some customers, McDonald’s is asking people to visit restaurants alone if they can.

However, the email states “we know this isn’t always possible – especially with children”.

Before lockdown, children were welcome but all of the colouring in equipment had been put away and the digital play screens switched off.

2. There might be longer queues

McDonald’s is only allowing a limited number of people inside its restaurants at any one time, due to coronavirus rules.

This means you may need to wait longer to be served.

The amount of people allowed inside will vary from each restaurant, depending on its size.

If you’re not allowed inside, you’ll be required to wait outside until it’s your turn.

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To speed things up, McDonald’s suggests using its free My McDonald’s app to pre-order your food.

The My McDonald’s app can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play, and it doesn’t cost extra to click and collect.

Earlier this month, Maccies warned customers it may take longer to complete your order as they have less staff on shift.

In an update posted on social media, McDonald’s said: “We know we may not be as fast as usual, so thank you for your patience and kindness to our crew during this time.”

3. Dining and play areas are closed

McDonald’s is continuing to close off its seating areas, play areas and customer toilets.

As part of government guidelines, restaurants are allowed to remain open for takeaways, but customers can’t sit inside to eat their food.

Its play areas, meanwhile, have been closed since March 2020.

4. Follow one-way signs

McDonald’s will also still use one-way signs to help customers social distance.

You can see how these signs look in our guide on inside McDonald’s here.

There are also boxes made out of tape on the floor to mark out where you should stand.

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5. Don’t visit if you feel unwell

If you’re not feeling great, McDonald’s is asking that you don’t visit its restaurants for now.

You can still get your Maccies fix from home, as the fast food chain offers delivery via Uber Eats and Just Eat.

Keep in mind you’ll pay extra fees for this service though, usually depending on how far away you are from your nearest restaurant.

6. Sanitise your hands

There will still be hand sanitiser stations at the front entrances of restaurants.

As well as customers being encouraged to sanitise, staff will also be cleaning their work stations more frequently.

Restaurant touch points, such as door handles and order touch screens, will be disinfected more often as well.

7. Wear a face mask

Customers must wear a face mask when collecting food, unless they are exempt.

The same goes for restaurant staff.

Examples of exemptions include children under the age of 11, and those who can’t wear a mask because of physical or mental illness or impairment.

You can see a full list of people who don’t need to wear a face mask on the Gov.uk website.

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Drive-thrus have also remained open and McDonald’s will now also deliver food to your car so you can skip the drive-thru queue.

In its latest menu update McDonald’s has brought back its Grand Big Mac.

But the menu change meant Maccies fans have said goodbye to Kastu Nuggets.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk