McDonald’s has decided to sue the city of Florence, Italy, for $20 million after it blocked the fast food chain’s proposal to build in the historic Piazza del Duomo.
Florence had introduced new regulations in January to restrict the types of products restaurants in the historic area could use and sell. Restauranteurs in the area are required to use products from the city or the Tuscany region in their foods, according to the new licensing regulations, The Guardian reported.
Florence Mayor Dario Nardella turned down the McDonald’s application in June, and in July a panel charged with preserving the ancient character of the city confirmed the decision.
“McDonald’s has the right to submit an application because this is permitted under the law, but we also have the right to say no,” Nardella said, the Guardian reported. “We don’t have any prejudice” against McDonald’s, she added, pointing out that McDonald’s has opened restaurants in other parts of Florence.
McDonald’s said it was ready to change and adapt its menu and architecture to comply with local codes. The fast food giant has made compromises in the past on its menu, litter control, and building design to fit in better with the local culture or architecture.
Florence’s Piazza del Duomo, where McDonald’s hopes to build, is the city's most visited tourist site. When the public found out McDonald’s was applying to build there, 24,000 Florentines signed a petition to protest, according to Fortune.
“We completely agree that the cultural and artistic heritage and the Italian historical town centers have to be protected,” McDonald’s said in a statement, Fortune reported. “But we cannot accept discriminatory regulations that damage the freedom of private initiative without helping anyone.”
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