St. Paul council eyeing a ban on new drive-through services

The St. Paul Planning Commission has recommended banning new fast-food and coffee drive-throughs, a move that could significantly affect people with disabilities who rely on them for convenient access to food. The 6-5 vote on September 13 would make the Twin Cities the first major U.S. metro area to implement such a ban if approved by the City Council. Existing drive-throughs could remain, and new bank and pharmacy drive-throughs would still be allowed, though at fewer locations.

The recommendation stems from city studies and public feedback, balancing concerns about walkability, pedestrian safety, and vehicle emissions against business and community interests.

Opponents, including restaurant owners and the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, worry that a ban could drive customers and businesses out of the city. Disability voices have been notably absent in the discussion, despite the potential impact on accessibility.

The recommendations sent to the City Council include technical zoning standards, such as limiting drive-throughs near major transit stations, requiring businesses to provide walk-up service during drive-through hours, and restricting new drive-throughs in downtown and other business-zoned areas. The changes would make it harder for new restaurants to offer drive-through service while preserving some flexibility for certain locations and types of businesses.