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'Appalling': Customer's aggressive act over McDonald's Covid check-in

The NSW Health Minister has blasted people not complying with Covid-safe practices after footage emerged of a man’s aggressive behaviour inside a McDonald’s restaurant on the weekend.

Brad Hazzard was asked about people not complying with Covid rules and checking in at venues using QR codes, after video of a man lashing out at McDonald’s at Kellyville Ridge on Saturday was broadcast on Monday.

In a statement, NSW Police said staff asked the man to complete a COVID-safe check-in before he allegedly became aggressive and verbally abused staff.

In the video, a McDonald’s worker is seen pointing at the QR Code on the counter. The man walks to where the QR Code is and engages in an argument with the worker.

A man smashed a cash register at a McDonald's in Kellyville, after being asked by staff to sign in using a QR code. Source: Facebook/The Hills Police Area Command
A man smashed a cash register at a McDonald's in Kellyville, after being asked by staff to sign in using a QR code. Source: Facebook/The Hills Police Area Command

The man is then seen pushing the cash register and a printer off the counter.

Late on Monday night, police said a 25-year-old man had been arrested and charged over the incident.

“The St Marys man was charged with destroy or damage property, use offensive language in/near public place and not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID19,” a police statement read.

He is due to appear at Blacktown Local Court next month.

McDonald’s told Yahoo News Australia that no form of abuse or violence is tolerated in their stores.

“We continue to follow Government advice and require all dine-in guests across the state to sign-in via the Service NSW QR Code in accordance with our Covid-Safe plan,” the spokesperson said.

The incident is being investigated by Quakers Hill Police Area Command and NSW Police said no one was injured.

Health Minister condemns the ‘appalling’ footage

On Monday, Mr Hazzard slammed people who refuse to sign in to venues when asked by a reporter about the video at the press conference.

"We've had almost a year of COVID and we all know the value of QR Codes to keeping us safe,” the NSW Health Minister said.

Mr Hazzard said the footage, which was aired by 7News and shared by other news outlets, was “absolutely appalling”.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard described the footage as "appalling". Source: AAP
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard described the footage as "appalling". Source: AAP

QR Codes provide NSW Health with complete electronic records, so they can alert people if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

Face masks are mandatory in some indoor setting in NSW. Staff at hospitality venues are required to wear face masks, patrons are not.

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