KFC branch serves customers through wire fence after months of fights and attacks on staff
A KFC branch plagued by violence has taken drastic action by serving customers through a ‘chicken wire’ fence to protect staff.
The fast food giant’s restaurant in Chelmsley, Birmingham, has been blighted by violent incidents, with fights regularly breaking out and a woman even vaulting the counter to assault an employee.
Bosses have now opted to install vertical metal bars along the serving counter, with five strips of ‘chicken wire’ style fencing running between customers and staff.
Management made the move following a series of serious incidents in the KFC branch over the past year.
On a separate occasion, a 16-year-old boy was badly assaulted in the store when he tried to intervene in an argument involving a girl in October.
The KFC is said to be ‘one of the roughest in Birmingham’, with many customers afraid to visit the after dark due to antisocial behaviour.
One customer visiting the store on Sunday, who did not wish to be named, said: "I'm not surprised they've resorted to this. It's moody as anything.
"I'll only come in the daytime as it is all gangs of teenagers come the evenings, its like they have nothing better to do. It’s always kicking off around here.
"It looks like chicken wire, which is ironic. It's unsightly too, it has an airport security feel about it."
Another customer, Joanne Marshall, 19, a college student, said: "I don't feel unsafe here as there's security staff here but it’s a bit unnerving to see security barriers at a KFC.
"It's a sign of the times I suppose."
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When asked about the security measures at the branch, one staff member said: "We've had a few problems with fights so it’s for our safety.
"One of our girls was attacked, people have jumped over the counter before. It's fine most of the time but we've had a few issues, shall we say."
Other residents reacted on social media with Graham Bassett saying: "We are now living in a violent society where there is no respect for anything and anybody."
Debbie Riley put on Facebook: "Don't blame them I saw a really nasty safety situation for the staff."
Dan Moore said: "It's the roughest KFC in and around Brum without doubt. Seen loads of trouble in there."
A KFC spokesperson told Yahoo News UK: “We’re sorry for any issues caused by the barriers, but these have been put up for the safety of our team members.”
