MCDONALD’S fans across the UK have been left scratching their heads over how coronavirus rules affect their local restaurants.
To help, the restaurant chain has outlined all of the rules for every tier in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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The devolved governments decide what lockdown rules to apply to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The restrictions affect pubs, restaurants and cafes, from whether customers can sit inside to eat to who can sit together.
England and Scotland have implemented tier systems to limit social contact, while rules for Wales apply nationwide.
Northern Ireland is partway through another two-week national lockdown.
Regardless of where the restaurant is though, all customers must wear a face mask when inside a McDonald’s which can be removed when eating and drinking.
There are around 1,300 Maccies branches in the UK. You can find your nearest one using the locator tool.
Here are the rules for McDonald’s branches in different parts of the UK:
Rules for McDonald’s restaurants in England
Restaurants in England are allowed to welcome back customers from today as four-week lockdown restrictions are eased.
Throughout November, McDonald’s has stayed open for takeaways and deliveries but now some can open up for diners again.
Here’s how the toughened three-tier system affects McDonald’s branches.
Tier 3
McDonald’s restaurants are closed to customers who wish to dine-in. The seating areas outside also remain closed.
Branches are open for walk-in takeaway orders until 11pm, while drive-thrus and McDelivery will continue to operate normal hours.
Tier 2
On top of the rules outlined for Tier 3, branches in Tier 2 are open for customers to dine-in until 10pm – but it’s table service only.
Only diners from the same household or support bubble can sit together at the same table though.
The rule of six – where six people from different households can mix – applies to those sitting outside.
Tier 1
In the lowest risk areas, branches will be open for diners to sit-in until 10pm, as long as they use table service.
The rule of six will apply to customers sitting at the same table indoors and outdoors.
Takeaway and McDelivery remains the same as in Tiers 2 and 3.
Rules for McDonald’s restaurants in Scotland
Scotland has implemented a four-tier system to control the spread of Covid-19, with Level 4 areas suffering the tightest restrictions.
Here’s how the local restrictions affect McDonald’s restaurants in Scotland:
Level 4
Restaurants only remain open for walk-in takeaways, McDelivery and drive-thrus. They will continue to operate normal hours.
Level 3
In addition to takeaways, McDelivery and drive-thrus, customers can dine-in with table service between 6am and 5pm.
The rule of six applies to diners indoors and outdoors.
Level 2
Diners can eat in, with table service, between 6am and 7pm and the rule of six applies inside and outside restaurants.
Branches continue to operate drive-thru, takeaway and McDelivery like normal.
Level 1
Branches in areas deemed least at risk can welcome diners between 6am and 10:30pm with table service.
The rule of six – which in Scotland allows a maximum of six people from two households to meet together – applies when eating indoors.
The rule of eight applies to groups sitting together outdoors.
Children under the age of 12 don’t count in the limits.
Rules for McDonald’s restaurants in Wales
Rather than adopt a Tier system like other devolved governments, Wales has outlined a simple set of rules that applies to the whole country.
Across Wales, McDonald’s restaurants are open for takeaways, McDeliveries and drive-thru.
It’s table service for customers who dine-in and groups of more than four people are banned from sitting together.
Branches are operating normal opening hours although they will close to dine-in customers from December 4.
Wales will introduce tougher restrictions later this week ahead of the busy Christmas break.
Rules for McDonald’s restaurants in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland began a two-week national lockdown on Friday November 27, meaning the rules apply to all businesses across the nation.
McDonald’s restaurants in Northern Ireland are currently closed to dine-in customers.
They are only open for walk-in takeaways, McDelivery and drive thru.
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But it’s the huge Big Mac – double the size of a regular order – that has got customers most excited.
However, Maccies fans have shared a hack to improve the new £4.19 burger – after complaining it doesn’t have enough cheese.
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