New York lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require restaurants operating in travel plazas along the state’s Thruway system to remain open seven days a week. This move would primarily affect nine Chick-fil-A restaurants that currently operate in such plazas along Interstate 90 in New York. However, Chick-fil-A is famously closed on Sundays and has upheld this policy since its establishment.
The bill came forth due to the New York State Thruway Authority’s Service Area Redesign and Redevelopment Project, as they plan to revamp the 27 service areas on the Thruway through public-private partnerships. While the travelling public and commercial trucking industry rely on these service areas to rest, refuel and purchase food and beverages, there is an issue of some retail space remaining unused on Sundays.
According to the bill, service areas that are dedicated to travellers are not appropriate for restaurants that are closed on a particular day of the week. The bill also argues that since the service areas are publicly owned, the space should be used to maximally benefit the public. Disrupting the convenience of travellers who depend on these service areas for sustenance is an unnecessary burden.
The bill also states that future contracts will require food concessions to operate seven days a week. Assemblymember Tony Simone is the main sponsor, and three other lawmakers have also co-sponsored the bill to date. The bill must pass both houses of the legislature before going to the governor’s desk to either be signed or vetoed.
The Thruway Authority’s Service Area Redesign and Redevelopment Project aims to increase retail and dining space options for travellers by rebuilding and revamping service areas. This move will ensure that all retail spaces are not left unused and will cater to the public on a 24/7 basis. The redevelopment project will also keep pace with the state of the art of highway travel.
The move to require restaurants in service areas to operate every day of the week has generated mixed reactions. While the legislation aims to balance the needs of the public with the conveniences provided by the fast-food restaurants, some people view it as an overreach of government authority. Critics of the bill argue that private businesses must have the right to operate according to their beliefs and convictions.
As lawmakers push for the reopening of the economy, they must make adequate policies that meet the unique needs and circumstances of travellers. The Thruway Authority’s Service Area Redesign and Redevelopment Project’s resultant bill in New York is an example of such policies. However, lawmakers must carefully consider the possible repercussions of such legislation and ensure that laws do not overstep their boundaries.