French MPs propose a 50,000 tax on fast food restaurants

"Under this amendment, fast food franchises would be subject to an extra flat tax, on top of the usual taxes that all businesses pay. Opening a fast food franchise restaurant would immediately entail a tax of €50,000 and then €10,000 each year that the restaurant operates. It would not affect independently operated restaurants that sell fast food, such as kebab shops."

"It also proposes to double these taxation amounts if the fast food franchise decides to open a restaurant within 300 meters of a school because "scientific studies point to a statistical correlation between childhood obesity and the geographical proximity of fast food outlets and schools." The amendment aims to curb the proliferation of fast food outlets, "which pose real public health challenges.""

French MPs are debating a 2026 budget law that includes a Green Party amendment targeting fast-food franchises. The amendment would impose an extra flat tax of €50,000 on opening a franchise and €10,000 annually while operating. Tax amounts would double for franchises opening within 300 meters of a school, citing scientific studies linking childhood obesity to the proximity of fast-food outlets to schools. Independently operated fast-food sellers, such as kebab shops, would be exempt. The measure aims to curb the rapid expansion of chains like McDonald's, Burger King and O'Tacos amid strong franchise growth and rising failures in the traditional restaurant sector. Passage and timing remain uncertain.

Read at The Local France