Opinion

Violence at fast food outlets a matter of concern

Violence and anti-social behaviour at pub closing times has long been a recognised problem in many of our city and town centres with the police and licensed premises taking steps to address this issue.

However, it is clear that it is not just bars and nightclubs that are the focus of this type of negative activity.

Police figures obtained by The Irish News show that takeaways and fast food outlets are increasingly finding themselves at the centre of violent criminality, generally late at night when crowds gather after a night drinking in pubs and clubs.

Alcohol is often a key factor in aggressive behaviour which can quickly spiral from a verbal row into violent assault, sometimes with dreadful consequences.

Between 2014 and 2016, there were more than 1,000 instances of violence against the person with 500 cases of criminal damage across the north. Other crimes include theft, public order offences and possession of weapons.

PSNI records show an alarming number of incidents are concentrated on a relatively small number of outlets.

By far the most number of crimes has taken place inside or around McDonald's in Donegall Place, Belfast.

The fact that 201 offences have been recorded at this one city centre business has to be a matter of serious concern.

For its part, McDonald's has put security guards and CCTV in place and says it takes a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.

Although the issue is particularly acute at this one branch of McDonald's, there is clearly a wider problem in relation to violent behaviour and criminality when people are congregating at takeaways, late at night and having consumed alcohol.

It is vital that businesses work with the police and other agencies to tackle what is a growing problem.

Unfortunately, there are belligerent individuals out there who are all too quick to cause trouble.

Takeaway owners have a responsibility to put security and other measures in place to safeguard their customers and staff.