The fast food scene is changing in several U.S. cities.
On August 8, the Minneapolis City Council banned the construction of drive-through operations, including fast food chains, citing air pollution from idling vehicles as a main factor for the new law, as well as improving pedestrian safety and reducing litter and noise. Similar legislation has also been passed in Creve Ceuor, Missouri; Long Beach, California; Fair Haven; New Jersey; and Orchard Park, New York.
Minneapolis’ order is part of the city’s long-term plan to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
In addition to fighting climate change, other reasons used to promote the implementation of this new law include encouraging healthier food choices and helping combat obesity.
The University of Alberta published a study in 2018 that examined drive-through bans in 27 Canadian cities. Researchers reported that “Fast food drive-through service bans are one policy option that may be considered as part of a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to promote healthier food environments and improve population health.” However, "further assessment...is required to determine the viability of fast food drive-through bans strategy for health promotion and chronic disease prevention.”
Several people are skeptical of whether the drive-through ban can accomplish this, though, due to conflicting research findings.
In 2008, South Los Angeles was one of the first places to ban new and expanded drive-through restaurants. However, in a study conducted by RAND Corporation from 2007 to 2012, it was found that obesity rates increased among residents in the area after the law was passed.
Roland Sturm, a senior economist at RAND who created the study, doesn't think the ban will curb obesity, and said the change needs to start within the fast food industry.
As reported by NPR, he said, “Instead of banning drive-throughs, we need to put pressure on the restaurant chains. As an industry, they haven’t stepped up to make a commitment to cutting calories and improving nutrition…to make eating healthy a more default choice.”
The new ordinances vary per city, with many existing drive-through establishments being exempt from the bans, but there are individuals who have expressed concerns, noting the increased convenience of the drive-through feature for the elderly, customers who are disabled and busy parents with young children.
While it's too soon too to gauge the effects of drive-through ban, a question remains: will more cities follow in putting this into practice?
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