The McDonald’s on U.S. 31 in Athens is now apparently closing its lobby to the public for one hour each day from Monday through Friday.

The issue was brought to The News Courier’s attention via a Facebook message from a customer who was told she would have to get her order to go because the lobby was closed from 3-4 p.m. each day.

She was told that “Athens High School kids come in there and destroy the building” and are rude to small children. She also expressed disappointment if the allegations are true, considering Athens City Schools is building a new school for the students just down the street.

Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said he had heard about the lobby closing, but not from anyone at the restaurant. A request for information from McDonald’s corporate office was not returned as of The News Courier’s deadline.

Johnson said he was contacted by the store’s management in the fall about students being “disrespectful and unruly” in the restaurant after school. He explained officers would visit the restaurant and conduct walk-throughs as time allowed.

“At some point, they decided to lock the doors and they hired an off-duty officer to sit in the parking lot to keep a problem from occurring,” he said. “A couple weeks ago they stopped needing the officer and I haven’t heard anything since then.”

Since August, Johnson said his department had responded to just two calls related to a complaint of unruly students.