Do drive-thrus discriminate?Do drive-thrus discriminate?

Drive-thrus have become an essential part of the QSR experience offering customers added convenience and enabling restaurants to stay open late, without the expense of a full staff. But as chains put an increasing focus on drive-thrus, certain consumers are left out. 

The latest example is in California, where Taco Bell’s late-night drive-thru only option is being questioned in a class-action lawsuit. 

“Despite being accessible to the general public, Taco Bell drive-thrus lack any meaningful accommodation for visually-impaired individuals who are unable to operate motor vehicles,” plaintiffs write. “Since they are unable to drive, and because it is not safe for them to walk through the drive-thru, visually-impaired individuals are totally precluded from accessing Defendant’s products during late-night hours.”

Wendy’s and McDonald’s have also faced similar legal action from people with various disabilities and those representing them. 

As drive-thrus become a more prominent part of the fast-food experience, it begs the question, do restaurants have the responsibility to make drive-thrus available for everyone?

Contact Gloria Dawson at [email protected] 

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