The McDonald’s in Chatham has lifted the ban on under-21s eating inside.

Over the last few months the franchise’s Chatham, Strood and Gillingham outlets have enforced bans preventing youths from eating inside after 3pm.

However, following a review, the store on Chatham High Street has scrapped its age limit.

The decision comes after a succession of complaints.

A local mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, complained to the store after her 17-year-old daughter and friend were asked to leave the store.

The pair purchased their food and were then asked to leave.

The mother said:“They were quietly sitting down to eat the food they bought when they were told they couldn’t eat there because of their age.

"They’d already bought their lunch, so it’s not like the had the option of eating somewhere else.

“You wouldn’t discriminate against any other groups of people in this way, so why them?”

McDonald’s have offered the girl a complimentary meal on her next visit, at the same time confirming the removal of the ban.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said:

“We can confirm that the temporary restriction on those under the age of 21 from eating inside our Chatham restaurant has now been lifted.

"We continue to work closely with the local police and other businesses to address issues of anti-social behaviour in the area and currently have security guards in place from mid-afternoon onwards.

“Our priority is to ensure that our restaurants are safe and welcoming environments for both our customers and our employees and we continue to take a zero tolerance approach when it comes to disruptive behaviour.”

Medway’s other branches remain remain under review.