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Bosses at a London branch of McDonald’s have been forced to back down after trying to ban teenagers at night.

They put up a misspelt sign announcing ‘no youths will be serverd [sic] after 7pm’.

Dozens of angry teenagers swamped the restaurant in Sidcup in protest shortly before the ban was due to start, while others complained on Twitter.

Following the protests, bosses at the fast food chain overruled the branch’s ban and issued an apology. The sign has been removed.

The ban was imposed by local managers after a group of young people caused “sustained disruption” on Saturday night.

Teenagers quickly complained on Twitter. One asked: “What are Sidcup McDonald’s thinking?”

And Brad Everitt said: “No youths’ sign seen at McDonald’s in Sidcup. Outrageous! And so is their spelling.”

A local blogger who posted a picture of the notice on his Twitter account said: “I really don’t think McDonalds should be discriminating against ‘youths’.

“Not just because a similar sign saying ‘no Asians’ or ‘no gays’ would attract widespread and fierce condemnation but because youths surely represent a major proportion of their custom.”

In a show of defiance, young people packed out the branch shortly before 7pm on Monday.

A 32-year-old customer said: “I couldn’t help but laugh because it was full of youths at 6.50pm.”

A McDonald’s spokeswoman said “I can confirm that there is no age restriction policy in place at the McDonald’s restaurant on Sidcup High Street.

“On Saturday evening, the restaurant experienced problems with a group of individuals causing sustained disruption to the restaurant, affecting fellow customers and employees.

“As a result the restaurant management took urgent steps to try and prevent repeat anti-social behaviour.

“The wording of the initial signage displayed in the restaurant was incorrect and we apologise for any confusion caused. McDonald’s is a family-friendly restaurant that welcomes everyone through its doors.”

Police confirmed they were called to reports of anti-social behaviour at the branch on Saturday.

A spokesman said: “Police are tackling anti-social behaviour in the area in conjunction with partners and local businesses. Ultimately it is up to an individual business who they decide to permit on their premises.”