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McDonald's customer fined $170 for eating takeaway at Starbucks

A fuming McDonald's customer has copped a fine for eating his takeaway in a Starbucks car park.

Firefighter Bob Spink, 50, from Swansea, Wales, had not such a happy meal after he pulled up in the Starbucks parking area because there were no spaces left at the McDonald's drive-thru next door.

He was shocked to later receive a £100 (A$173) fine in the post for staying in the bay for 16 minutes — despite never getting out of his Peugeot 207.

"We had only bought a £12 (A$20) order from McDonald's and the car park was entirely full so we parked in Starbucks to eat as there was plenty of space," Mr Spink said.

McDonald's customer Bob Spink and the fine that he received.
McDonald's customer Bob Spink has vowed to never go near a Starbucks again after recieving the fine. Source: Wales News Service/Australscope

"We had not realised these penalties were a thing.

"It just feels like legalised theft, I haven't done anything wrong legally.

"I will not go anywhere near a Starbucks ever again."

Bob said he was told the fine could be reduced to £60 (A$104) if he paid within 14 days.

The Starbucks where the McDonald's customer parked. Source: Wales News Service/Australscope
Bob said the fine has left him baffled. Source: Wales News Service/Australscope

"I was baffled by it, we have just moved here and it's something you can't ignore as it only gets worse and increases the fee," he said.

"I shared it in the hope of making people aware and steer clear of the chain.

"We hadn't even left the car, the premise of a car park is to invite people in and it just feels like a con and I don't understand what they are trying to achieve and it doesn't look great for the chain to use a parking enforcement with such tactics."

Starbucks said the fine at their branch in Fabian Way, Swansea, was a matter for third-party parking company National Parking Enforcement Ltd who declined to comment.

Wales News Service/Australscope

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