Maine city bans restaurant chains – Local officials are trying to preserve a quaint, bed and breakfast feel for the area

You won’t find McDonald’s golden arches or pink-and-orange Dunkin’ Donuts signs in this seaside town. It will stay that way if voters approve a proposed ordinance that would outlaw chain restaurants.

Ogunquit is the latest town nationwide to consider a law over so-called ”formula” businesses. From Maine to California, more than a dozen municipalities now have laws that ban or restrict chain restaurants, motels, retailers and other establishments.

Supporters of the chain restaurant ban say they don’t want their seaside town to turn into just another congested strip of Subways, Applebee’s and Burger Kings.

”This is a pristine and special community that we are stewards of,” said Mary Breen, the owner of a high-end bakery who spearheaded a petition drive to get the question on the Nov. 8 ballot. ”It’s not about finance and marketing, it’s about preserving this small fishing and arts community.”

By Clarke Canfield
The Associated Press

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