Classical music helps cut McDonald's trouble

Classical music being served up at a McDonald's plagued by anti-social behaviour has led to young customers conducting themselves better, police have said.

A year ago, the restaurant in Low Pavement, Chesterfield, was a hotspot for bad behaviour - with large groups congregating and fighting, threatening staff, damaging property and intimidating residents.

Initiatives including playing classical compositions, switching off Wi-Fi and charge points and closing off areas in the evenings were put in place to improve the situation.

Walter Wright, who owns and operates Chesterfield McDonald's, said he was "proud" of the results.

Wright said: "It is important to me that everyone feels safe and welcome when visiting our Chesterfield restaurant, and we're encouraged by the impact these measures are having.

"We're committed to being a good neighbour in the community and will continue to work closely with the police, council, and local sports groups to understand where we can provide support and play our part."

In one week in August 2025, at least 18 separate calls for service were made to the control room over problems at McDonald's involving groups of young people.

A decision was made by Derbyshire Police to compose a Problem Management Plan (PMP) for the restaurant and surrounding area at the corner of Chesterfield Marketplace.

In store, measures were brought in including a playlist of classical music in the evenings.

Wi-Fi and charge points were turned off at certain times, while areas of the restaurant were shut down at night.

Body worn video cameras were also worn by some staff members, and McDonald's began putting a staff member on the door to grant entry at key times.

The PMP also introduced regular, targeted patrols, community warning notices for troublemakers, and McDonald's bans which were delivered to homes by uniformed officers.

Parents were also visited by police alongside housing providers to warn their child's behaviour could lead to eviction.

Chesterfield FC Community Trust also worked with the PMP to offer activities in the town to give young people an alternative to congregating at the fast food restaurant.

Insp Josh Carter said by July this year there had been a 70% reduction in calls to police.

Carter added: "Whilst there is some tolerance for 'kids to be kids', the behaviour seen here clearly went beyond acceptable limits.

"The reduction in the number of incidents recorded has been across different weathers and school holidays, so is a promising indicator of the improvements made. Thank you to all those involved who took measures to achieve this.

"This shows the power of a joined up, partnership approach to tackle problem behaviour."

Classical music has been deployed by McDonald's in other locations, including London, Wrexham, Welwyn Garden City, and Stockport.

Northern Trains has used the approach in 48 railway stations to reduce reports of large groups loitering, while in Liverpool and Barrow-upon-Furness, councils have broadcast music from speakers to discourage anti-social behaviour.

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