Post-Willow trips to McDonald’s are to be a thing of the past after the fast food outlet was ordered to cut its opening hours following complaints of late night disturbances.
The Blake Street restaurant, situated near student favourites Revolution and Willow, was previously open 24-hours, but will now close at midnight on Sunday and weekdays and at 1am on Friday and Saturday.
The licensing change, which will see McDonald’s reopen at 5am each morning, was brought about following complains from six residents living opposite the restaurant.
However, McDonald’s say that they are not to blame for the disturbances, as they do not serve alcohol and have no connection with the nearby taxi rank.
North Yorkshire Police said there have been 122 incidents connected to McDonald’s in the last 17 months, including fighting, noise and abuse.
A McDonald’s spokesman said: “Unfortunately, a minority of people create a problem by disposing of their litter irresponsibly or creating noise at night, which is frustrating for us, residents and businesses.
“Naturally, we are disappointed with this decision, but we will continue with our efforts to be a considerate neighbour.”
Most students will be disappointed to find that McDonald’s will no longer be able to satisfy their night out munchies, however, one third-year English student told Vision: “I’m glad this has happened, I got pushed over outside McDonald’s earlier this year for no reason by a right pair of knobs. Maybe this will solve the problem.”