We are starting to see stuff like this in the US as well. But generally speaking, only the GOVERNMENT has the power to FINE people.
Private businesses here use towing companies to police their lots. They tow your car and force you to pay a fee to get the car back. But this is only legal in SOME jurisdictions and it is not a fine. It is also relatively rare, and only used where parking is at a premium. Even then, most businesses will only call towers when people park in their lot and then leave the premesis to patronize another business.
I'm surprised that a company like McDonald's would try to use such a tactic when a customer experiences a car problem. I mean, if you park in their lot and head across the street to the Burger King, that would be one thing. But to use this against a customer, especially one experienceing trouble beyond their control is just STUPID BUSINESS. I mean, HOW LIKELY ARE YOU TO EVER GO BACK TO THAT MCDONALDS?
It's not like you WANTED to break off the key. If it were MY store, I'd be trying to help you locate a locksmith or other repair person. It would be the decent thing to do.
Does eBay/PayPal own that particular McDonald's? :D
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