Newly reopened Burger King forced to close as large drive-through queue causes traffic jam

Police were dispatched to deal with the back log of traffic

(Fubar News)

A Burger King was forced to shut just days after reopening because large queues at its drive-through service caused traffic jams.

The Elgin branch of Burger King in Scotland was among 500 of the fast food chain's outlets to close in March after Boris Johnson announced a UK-wide lockdown.

The burger chain has begun easing back into business in recent days, announcing on Tuesday the reopening of a further 70 outlets for delivery and drive-through only.

The Elgin site opened earlier this week. On Wednesday, large numbers of customers queued for the drive-through service, causing traffic disruption that resulted in the police being called.

Police Scotland said in a statement: "Police attended after large amounts of traffic. The store closed and traffic dispersed."

A spokeswoman for Burger King said the branch had a "delayed opening" as a result of a fault with a payment machine.

"Burger King staff worked to disperse the queue while the card machine was fixed," the spokeswoman added.

Burger King, which this week pledged to open 20 sites per week until all outlets are back in operation, is among a number of large chains that have resumed trading after almost two months out of action.

KFC, Nando's, Pret A Manger, Starbucks and Subway have all either reopened sites for delivery and takeaway or announced plans to do so soon.

On Wednesday, McDonald’s began trading from 15 sites across the UK after carrying out “operational tests” late last month.

Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s chief executive officer for the UK and Ireland, said: “When we return it will be different as we all adjust to this new normal.

“I want to apologise in advance if our first wave of reopened restaurants does not serve your area.”

He added: “Rest assured, we are working hard to reopen more restaurants, but I am adamant this must be at the right pace with the wellbeing of our employees, suppliers and customers front of mind.

“Slowly, but safely, we will return to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, and thank you for your continued support as we work through this crisis.”