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Drive-thru ban in Carlsbad on the chopping block after 27 years

The city is debating lifting its long-standing ban on fast food lanes, weighing economic growth against concerns over traffic congestion and environmental impact.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — The city of Carlsbad is considering lifting its 27 year old drive-thru ban for new restaurants.

Major developments like Legoland and Costco arrived in Carlsbad in the 90s. This raised concern among residents about protecting the city's character and preventing traffic congestion. The city decided banning new restaurants from having drive-thrus would help. Only the original 12 drive-thrus built before 1997 exist.

"There's an economic impact to this," said Bret Schanzenbach, CEO of Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

He spoke during a meeting Wednesday where the planning commission discussed lifting the ban.

"We have other members of ours who have established businesses in the community who aren't allowed to have drive-thrus but would like to be considered. They've told us point blank the amount of money they would bring into the city would rise exponentially," he said.

Meanwhile others say more drive-thrus would do more harm than good.

"I think considering adding more drive-thrus to the city is ill advised. We are in a climate crisis," said Paige Decino, with Carlsbad Sierra Club.

The city is looking at different ways it could regulate drive-thrus. This includes limiting hours of operation, the length of the drive thru line, and minimum distance from residential areas.

"The thing is we all drive so whether it's good or not for the belly fat it's good thing for lifestyle since it's quicker," said David, who visits Carlsbad often to visit family.

The city council plans to consider different rules and ultimately decide if the ban will be lifted.

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