A man with facial palsy, Craig Brown, was left feeling like a criminal after McDonald’s staff called the police on him, mistaking him for being drunk. The incident occurred at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Blackpole, Worcester, where an ‘overwhelming’ number of police vans swooped in as Craig waited almost an hour for his food.
Craig, who had paid for two chicken mayo sandwiches, a burger, and three hot chocolates, was shocked when six officers ordered him out of his car at around 1 a.m. last Sunday. The fast-food branch had called the police believing Craig was drunk and had been smoking cannabis. However, tests confirmed that he was completely sober.
Craig, who was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy which causes one side of his face to droop, believes that the staff mistook his condition for being intoxicated. He had joked with the cashiers about needing a hotel due to the long wait, but claims he was not acting drunk or slurring his words.
After being told to wait in a parking bay with a friend, the police arrived ten minutes later, accusing Craig of being drunk and taking drugs. They made him undergo a breathalyzer test, which he passed with a zero reading. Despite the misunderstanding, McDonald’s handed him his food, which was now cold, and did not offer a replacement meal.
Craig felt humiliated by the incident, stating that he rarely drinks or does drugs and was shocked by the accusations. He believes that his facial palsy may have been the cause of the confusion but insists that the situation was blown out of proportion. He was disappointed by the way he was treated and expressed hesitation about returning to the fast-food chain.
A McDonald’s spokesperson apologized for the misunderstanding, stating that their team’s judgment was incorrect in this instance. They emphasized their commitment to the safety of the communities they serve. West Mercia Police confirmed that officers were called to the scene but no further police action was required as Craig passed the breathalyzer test.
In conclusion, the incident at the McDonald’s drive-thru highlights the importance of not jumping to conclusions based on appearances. Craig’s experience serves as a reminder to exercise caution and understanding before involving law enforcement in such situations.
