Millions of fast-food customers visit drive-thru windows each day in the U.S. In fact, roughly 43% of all fast-food orders are placed from behind the wheel, according to a recent report.
For the past 27 years, however, one of Southern California’s most popular coastal cities hasn’t allowed the construction of new drive-thrus. That’s about to change.
In a major policy shift, the Carlsbad City Council voted on Tuesday to lift a longstanding ban on new drive-thru restaurants, a regulation dating back to 1997. In its 3-2 decision, the council agreed to open the door for future restaurants looking to add a drive-thru option, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Businesses can submit individual proposals, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The prohibition on drive-thrus was initially enacted due to concerns about their impact on the community’s character, traffic congestion, and quality of life. Carlsbad is home to LEGOLAND theme park, The Flower Fields, and several upscale resorts and popular beaches.
Supporters of lifting the ban told the council that drive-thrus are especially convenient for the elderly, people with disabilities, and busy families with young children. Businesses also argued that drive-thrus can increase sales and create more jobs.
“Both sides have valid arguments,” said Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn, who voted in favor of the change. “It’s about choice, business, and quality of life.”
Carlsbad had allowed only the original 12 restaurant drive-thrus that predated the ban, most of them close to the 5 Freeway. Exceptions to the new policy are districts like the Village and Barrio, which fall under different zoning regulations.
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