Major change at McDonald’s facility to protect workers after series of ugly incidents: here’s what you need to know
- McDonald’s is finally installing security screens
- Workers in Adelaide’s CBD berated
- Footage shows a teenager jumping over the counter
McDonald’s has moved to install guardrails to protect employees from customers after a series of ugly incidents at an Adelaide CBD store.
The popular fast food chain has heeded calls from SafeWork SA to strengthen security measures at a 24-hour shop on Hindley Street, one of the city’s main entertainment areas.
The counters have been fitted with protective screens to protect staff from angry or abusive customers following two violent incidents late last year.
The new screens were installed in response to a complaint filed by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) with SafeWork SA on behalf of the store’s employees.
“McDonald’s Hindley Street is a hotbed of violence and abuse and it’s great to see SafeWork SA stepping up to keep employees safe,” explained SDA Secretary Josh Peak.
‘Employees are now fully protected behind perspex and glass screens, so that customers can no longer throw products, spit on employees, jump over the counter and cannot enter the kitchen.’
In December, a teenager was filmed jumping over the counter and allegedly harassing staff as they tried to prepare food for customers.
SafeWork South Australia demanded the popular fast food chain (pictured) to beef up security at a particular store on Hindley Street in Adelaide’s CBD
Nooria Halake, 19, was reportedly filmed yelling at staff behind the counter before walking into the kitchen and helping herself to food
Nooria Halake, 19, stood before Adelaide Magistrates Court earlier this month, charged with disorderly conduct, property damage and aggravated assault.
In footage, Ms Halake allegedly climbed over the counter and helped herself to food while yelling swear words at staff members.
Ms. Halake reportedly yelled obscenities and carelessly threw a bag full of food before reportedly grabbing a burger box and filling it with food.
She then grabs a drink from the fridge as workers chase her around the store.
“I’ll beat you up and I’m leaving,” Ms Halake reportedly told a shocked employee.
Moments later, the police arrived to arrest the woman behind the counter.
Reporters outside Adelaide Magistrates Court asked Ms Halake if she had seen the footage.
“Yes, I have… embarrassing, it’s embarrassing,” she replied.
In October 2022, 18-year-old Mia Miller spat at staff working at the same Hindley Street store before being removed.
She was before the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with disorderly conduct, assaulting a worker and spitting.
SA police claim the woman damaged a door and threw a bottle of water at members of staff
A McDonald’s spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: ‘The health and safety of our people and customers is our top priority.
“McDonald’s has installed security screens at the Hindley Street restaurant to enhance the safety and protection of our people.
“We have a zero tolerance policy for anti-social behavior and expect our people to be treated with respect and decency at all times.
“We will continue to put the safety of our employees first and continually review protective measures for restaurants.”
A McDonald’s chain on Hindley Street in Adelaide’s CBD has been the scene of several violent clashes between employees and disgruntled customers in recent months