McDonalds is Suing the City of Florence for $20 Million Because It Won't Let Them Open an Outlet

The global fast-food chain McDonald’s is suing the city of Florence after it rejected the company's proposal to open an outlet in the city's historic Piazza del Duomo.

Florence’s mayor,Dario Nardella, rejected the application in June, and the city was upheld by a local panel in July. The panel is taxed with preserving the city's character.

According to reporting from The Guardian, McDonalds is exceptionally frustrated with the decision because they made a number of changes to its business model in order to adapt to the city's regulations.

In addition to the city's rejection, over 25,000 people have signed a petition urging the Italian government and EU Commission to protect Florence from the chain. "We, European citizens, support the courageous city of Florence and its mayor Dario Nardella in this fight," reads the petition, "Let's protect the heritage of the historic center of that magnificent city, Florence."

There are already three McDonalds in Florence, but none of them in the proposed area.

You can read the The Guardian's full report on their website.