More and more studies are showing that fast food is not helping the health of North Americans. What is more, its access is too easy for a good part of the population. For several years, voices have been raised against these establishments where junk food is king while local elected officials seek to supervise their proliferation.
Researchers at the State University of New York, associated with the Grossman School of Medicine, published an article where they confirm that a large supply of junk food restaurants in certain types of neighborhoods is associated with subsequent risks more important to developing type 2 diabetes.
But in the suburbs and in the countryside, where these types of restaurants are less present, the risk is significantly lower as residents have to shop for groceries and prepare their own meals.
Obviously, fast food chains usually locate in sufficiently populated neighborhoods. We often find them near schools, where young students are drawn there for their lunch or afternoon snack.
In order not to harm the health of these young people, but also to protect a more vulnerable adult population, municipal officials tried to control the establishment of these restaurants outside of commercial arteries and as far as possible from schools by passing regulations. specific zoning.
These regulations were, however, challenged in court by a group of fast-food restaurants, including Restaurants Canada, St-Hubert, McDonald's, A&W, and Tim Hortons, among others.
In early November 2021, the Quebec Court of Appeal finally ruled: municipalities do have the right to use zoning to fight fast food restaurants.
In this way, cities can now, without problem, limit the arrival of new types of restaurants in different neighborhoods. And for those who have acquired rights, having been located near a school for several years, elected officials will be unable to do anything. But if this restaurant leaves its location, then they can act.
Thus, local governments are now better equipped to encourage healthy lifestyles that will keep their citizens away from hospitals.
In conclusion, here is the definition of a fast food restaurant, according to some municipalities: restaurant establishment whose food is mainly served in disposable containers, wrappers or plates, when consumed on site, and where there is no table service.
