New Policy Puts a Time Limit on Fast Food Consumption

Some fast-food places are putting up signs to impose time limits for eating, but it seems like it's mostly to deter people who are hanging out all day.

Why Is This Happening?

In an attempt to speed up customer turnover and tackle loitering issues, fast food outlets across the country are implementing strict time limits on dining in.

Restaurants are creating a time limit because of complaints from both customers and management regarding prolonged stays in establishments, often by individuals who purchase minimal items or none at all.

Read More: Man Gave Illegal Tattooing To A Kid While Inside A McDonalds

What Fast Food Places Are Using This Time Limit

A recent Reddit post shed light on this emerging trend, with users sharing their experiences of encountering time restrictions at various fast food joints. One photo shared on Reddit showed a sign at Wendy's, notifying patrons of a 30-minute time frame allocated for consuming their food and warning against loitering or solicitation.

Many people think different things about why this rule exists. Some think it's to stop homeless people from staying in the restaurant too long. Others think it's to stop people who buy very little from using the restaurant for a long time.

Commenters recounted instances from cities like Denver, Baltimore, and Los Angeles, where similar policies have been enforced to address issues ranging from homeless individuals taking shelter in restrooms to teenagers treating fast food joints as all-day hangout spots.

While some applaud the move as necessary to maintain cleanliness and order within these establishments, others express concerns about potential discrimination against certain groups, such as the homeless. However, as more places start putting time limits, it shows that fast food places are changing to make sure they serve customers quickly and get them out faster.

Reddit Users Chiming In

“In Baltimore City, there was a sign in the bathroom that said that it was for customers only,” declared another. “They did not want homeless people living in restrooms, or even showering in them,” said Reddit User Global-Plankton3997.

“Not sure how many of you have been to Los Angeles, but these rules are here for a reason,” said another. “Vagrants will pull up and literally take up three booths with their belongings for hours after buying a single soda, and if this sign isn’t here they’ll just fight the staff (half the time they fight them anyways),” added svenguillotien.

“Good! The Wendy’s near me is borderline a homeless shelter. Smells f–king awful. Homeless sleeping in the booths. Walked in on one in the bathroom, naked,” wrote TickleMyPickle576.

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