McDonalds Sues the City of Florence

McDonald’s is taking Florence’s city administration to court.  The food industry giant is appealing city council’s decision not to issue a permit so McDonalds can open in Piazza Duomo next to the Cathedral and Baptistery.  McDonald’s presented a project for a more upscale-looking premises along with table service, hoping to open an eatery on the former premises of Universo Sport.

Mayor Nardella vetoed the proposal, citing the fact that Florence is a World Heritage site regulated under UNESCO, which prohibits fast food chain restaurants in historic neighborhoods.  Mayor Nardella has also made it clear that licenses to new restaurants will not be granted unless the proposed menu contains a high percentage of Tuscan food products.

To read more in Italian, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site.