McDonald’s will close all their UK and Ireland stores entirely, starting tomorrow.
In a statement released on Twitter this evening (Sunday March 22), McDonald’s have announced the following: “We have taken the difficult decision to close all McDonald’s restaurants in the UK and Ireland by 7pm on Monday March 23 at the latest.
“This is not a decision we are taking lightly, but one made with the wellbeing and safety of our employees in mind as well as the best interests of our customers.
“We will work with local community groups to responsibly distribute food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days.
“Thank you to our brilliant employees for their hard work during this incredibly challenging time.
We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen.”
An update from McDonald’s UK and Ireland — See you soon pic.twitter.com/43moFRrWRR
— McDonald’s UK (@McDonaldsUK) March 22, 2020
This news negates a former statement made just two days ago that said they would be closing their seating areas, but would remain open for takeaways and drive-thru services.
In a more detailed statement found on the McDonald’s website, Chief Executive Officer (McDonald’s UK & Ireland) Paul Pomroy said: “Over the last 24 hours, it has become clear that maintaining safe social distancing whilst operating busy takeaway and Drive Thru restaurants is increasingly difficult and therefore we have taken the decision to close every restaurant in the UK and Ireland by 7pm on Monday 23rd March.”
He continues: “I have been clear throughout this that we would only continue to operate whilst it was safe for our people and together with our franchisees, we feel now is the time to make this decision to temporarily close.
“We will be working closely with community groups across the UK and Ireland to distribute food from our restaurants to those most in need, and ahead of closing tomorrow evening, will ensure frontline health workers and emergency services personnel do not have to pay for any food or drink in our restaurants on sight of their work pass.”