CUSTOMERS at a McDonald's restaurant in Australia have taken to social media to complain about strict bathroom policies that have caused "accidents".

In order to use the bathroom at the fast-food restaurant in Maroochydore, Queensland, customers claim they have to first place their order and use the code on the bottom of the receipt to get access to the toilet - a system in place at multiple McDonald's restaurants in the UK.

3 A McDonald's restaurant in Australia has been criticised for a strict bathroom policy that is reportedly causing 'accidents' Credit: Facebook

Numerous people have taken to social media to criticise the policy and claim the amount of extra time it takes to go the bathroom has already caused one “accident” and other near-misses.

Maroochydore local Kim McDonald shared a picture of the sign informing customers of the location’s policy.

McDonald's self-order kiosk advert

The sign was attached to the toilet door and read: “Toilets proudly provided for the use of McDonald’s customers. Code on bottom of receipt.”

Ms McDonald posted the image to social media after going to the fast food store for lunch with her 90-year-old grandmother.

3 Frustrated customers have taken to Facebook to complain about the situation Credit: Facebook

Her grandma has to use a walker to get around and she said this meant it took them about five minutes to walk from the carpark to the toilets, only to realise that they had to walk back and order to get in.

“At least 10 or so minutes would have passed where a near 90-year-old has had to hold their bladder,” Ms McDonald wrote.

“They are lucky they didn't need to get out the mop and buckets. And probably lucky I didn't have my kids with me too.”

She thought that the locks may have been introduced as a way to stop drunk youths from vandalising the bathrooms late at night but still described it as a “bit of an overkill”.

3 A policy at Maroochydore McDonald's means customers have to purchase something so they can use the code on their receipt to open the bathroom door (file picture) Credit: Getty Images - Getty

“Why cant the doors be unlocked until a later time like 8pm or something to allow easy access to the bathrooms for kids, pregnant ladies and disabled or elderly people?” Ms McDonald wrote.

A couple of weeks earlier another woman, Jo Anne, took to Facebook to complain about the toilet policy claiming her child had an “accident” because of the coded locks.

“Today my child has an accident because you lock the toilets and only put the code on the receipt,” she said.

“They WERE customers who were using your facility and had decided (like plenty of other parents) to have a play in the playground before ordering their afternoon ice cream treat.”

MOST READ WORLD NEWS CREEPY CRAWLERS Dozens of horrifying 3ft-long robber crabs invade family's campsite BBQ FIT AND FIFTY 'World’s hottest gran' celebrates 50th as fans praise her youthful looks COV-ER & OUT Lockdown-free Sweden 'on brink of BEATING Covid after achieving herd immunity' HIDE AND SEEEEEEK Can you spot the deadly snakes hiding in these gardens and homes? OUT OF THIS WORLD Man transforms into 'alien' after having nose REMOVED & splitting tongue GRINCHES Mum reveals HUGE Xmas gift haul for daughter - but some parents brand kid 'spoilt' STRATEGY SHIFT Sweden's top scientist considering 'circuit-breaker' style local lockdowns EYE IN THE SKY Amazing drone pics show swimmers battling surf & lake frozen in -30C winter Breaking GET OUT OF JAIL FAIL Maddie suspect’s early release bid FAILS after extradition ruled legal 'TOUGH S**T' Lawyer refuses to scrap 'offensive' LGOPNR number plate.. can you work it out?

She added that the store “failed” to meet the standard expected of McDonald’s restaurants.

A McDonald’s spokesperson responded to Jo Anne’s criticism saying they would raise the concerns with the Maroochydore location.

A spokeswoman for the chain told theABC it is not policy to lock bathroom doors but it was the decision of the store.

“The local licensee has made this decision, however, they are able to be opened for anyone who requires them,” she said.

A version of this article was originally published on news.com.au.