'No loitering' says Thai McDonalds
While normally synonymous with fast food, McDonald's has found that customers in Thailand are taking a different approach to grabbing a Big Mac, turning a quick bite into a long dining experience and transforming the fast food chain into a temporary workplace.
McThai, the only franchisee of McDonalds in Thailand, recently announced the introduction of a maximum one-hour dining time in order to combat the problem of loitering customers. Diners are also being discouraged from charging their mobile phones and other electronic devices for more than 30 minutes while enjoying their meals.
The dining limit applies to seating areas throughout lunch, dinner and weekends though how strictly these rules will be enforced remains to be seen.
The Wall Street Journal also reports that earlier this year Starbucks in Thailand also began cracking down on what they believed was misuse of outlets of the coffee chain, asking students and teachers not to conduct large group lessons there at lunchtime.
Over in the USA while McDonald's offers services, such as free WiFi, which could be used by individuals who are studying or working, the fast food chain has no nationwide policy regarding time limits on their time in the restaurants.
