Posted on 12/19/2023 9:28:31 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Chick-fil-A, a popular fast-food restaurant known for its chicken sandwiches and world-class customer service, might be forced to violate one of its most cherished principles due to a New York bill being considered in the state legislature.
New York state lawmakers have introduced a measure that would require restaurants operating at state Thruway service plazas to remain open seven days per week. Chick-fil-A, which was founded by Christians, has traditionally closed on Sundays in observance of the Sabbath.
However, the new bill would put this to an end. The proposal would amend an already existing law and require restaurants to provide services “every day of the week.”
The public authorities law is amended by adding a new section 390 to read as follows:
Contracts for food service. Any contracts entered into for the operation of food services or food concessions at public transportation facilities owned or operated by the authority shall require that such services be provided every day of the week. For the purposes of this section the term "public transportation facilities" shall mean and include thruway rest areas, service areas and welcome centers. The provisions of this section shall not apply to temporary concessions or events including farmers' markets, flea markets or local vendors licensed or permitted to operate by the authority.
Those supporting the bill argue that it would maximize the use of public service areas and provide consistent service to travelers each day. In the text of the bill, the lawmakers make the following argument:
While there is nothing objectionable about a fast food restaurant closing on a particular day of the week, service areas dedicated to travelers is an inappropriate location for such a restaurant. Publicly owned service areas should use their space to maximally benefit the public. Allowing for retail space to go unused one seventh of the week or more is a disservice and unnecessary inconvenience to travelers who rely on these service areas.
Nevertheless, this type of measure reeks of government overreach. The notion that the state should possess the authority to dictate when a business chooses to conduct its operations is absurd. Chick-fil-A’s decision to remain closed on Sundays is a reflection of the company’s foundational values. Mandating this type of operational change is not only an infringement on business autonomy, it could also be an encroachment on cultural and possibly religious expressions of a private entity.
Moreover, there are plenty of other restaurants in the area where people can grab a quick meal. This bill is just another way for the state to assert control over the populace.
Of course, we would be remiss to ignore the greed factor. If Chick-fil-A is open an extra day of the week, that means it is serving more customers who are paying taxes each time they buy a chicken sandwich and waffle fries. The only one who truly benefits from such a move is the state government, which is likely the primary reason why these lawmakers are making this proposal in the first place.
Out of control government.
This is an example of fascism, where the government can dictate days and hours thatba business must operate.
Commie trash government. I don’t see how this could be Constitutional. There are kosher restaurants which are obviously closed on the Jewish Sabbath. Why should Chick Fil A be forced to be open on their Sabbath? Hobby Lobby is also owned by religious non-Jews and they are not open on Sunday either.
How about pass a law to force NY government just sit at their desks 24/7?
I’m sure they’ll be fair by also requiring Islamic restaurants to serve pork.
Out of control greedy government. Mo’ money.
This is only at Thruway service plazas. Kind of reasonable to have minimum hours.
I don’t think there are kosher establishments at the plazas.
OMG, how F’d up can they get? NY is now run by a bunch of morons who think like immature children. But I should talk, so is my home state of California these days.
Point very well taken.
It sounds like this applies only to Chick-fil-A restaurants on the New York State Thruway service plazas. And the New York State Thruway is a toll road limited access Highway isn’t it?
I’m sure this would be justified based on ,if the New York State Thruway is a limited access toll road ,and you don’t have to drive on that road , and so that’s how they justify this plan for Chick-fil-A to have to open on a Sunday?
What about hours of operation?
Will they dictate that as well?
How about the menu?
If they were the only food outlet at a given service area, I could see this. If the service areas have other food choices available on Sunday, then no, this is crap.
I’d pack up my restaurant and leave. But, that’s what they want.
Then Chick-fil-A should do the right thing by going with their morals rather than their economics. They will be much better served than if they cave again. Keep tearing away at New York’s behavior, do not allow New York dictate to Chick-fil-A. Otherwise, Chick-fil-A risk even bigger losses.
Oh yes—with the thousands of NYC Jewish men commuting during the summer vacation months between the City and the Catskills, the Sloatsburg rest area on the New York State Thruway offers kosher Dunkin Donuts and various kosher food available from vending machines.
Typical Democrats. They think motorists are too stupid to know that on certain days at the Thruway, they will have to frequent another food establishment.
Democrats greatest joy is to force people to abandon their morals and beliefs.
No one goes to the Catskills anymore. It is too crowded.
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