Wrexham McDonald’s plays classical music to cut down bad behaviour

31 January, 2023

McDonald's restaurant sign

The Wrexham branch of McDonald’s has started playing classical music and restricting its wi-fi in a bid to deter bad behaviour.

As BBC News reports, the fast food establishment – located on Regent Street – took action following incidents on its premises and elsewhere in the Welsh city that led to dispersal orders being issued by police.

A group of 20 to 30 youngsters had caused “upset”, according to North Wales Police. However, it is said that progress had been made recently.

McDonald’s explained that it was committed to being a good neighbour in the area.

North Wales Police claimed there had been “one allegation of assault, a fire extinguisher set off, signs and coins thrown at shop staff and younger children chased by this group”.

Insp Luke Hughes went on to cite the “significant interest” globally in Wrexham AFC, the city football club owned by actors Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool).

“We have a calendar full of activities through the next twelve months,” Hughes continued.

“I absolutely will not allow this to be compromised because of a small minority of people and my intention is to deal firmly with this issue.”

In response to the recent disruption, McDonald’s said in a statement: “We are aware of anti-social behaviour affecting the wider area, and have introduced a number of measures in our Wrexham restaurant to support the police in tackling this issue.

“These include playing classical music from 17:00 GMT and turning off the wi-fi at certain points in the evening.”

Hughes urged youth clubs, sports clubs and other organisations in the area to lend their support in tackling the problem, saying local young people need occupying.

McElhenney and Reynolds took over Wrexham AFC in February 2021. The story of the actors becoming co-owners of the North Wales team was the subject of a Disney+ documentary series, Welcome To Wrexham, which was released last August.

In late 2022, the pair were awarded the freedom of Wrexham by the city council for their work promoting the city. They will receive the honour at a ceremony set to take place this year.

Earlier this month, Rob McElhenney had to find out about his football team’s shock FA Cup victory over Coventry City on social media after US TV coverage failed. Ryan Reynolds, meanwhile, said he was “totally speechless” at the 4-3 win.

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