Saint Paul faces self-service dilemma. The council is deciding whether new food and drink businesses should be allowed to have them.

“Drive-thrus are very heavy uses as far as automobiles go, especially during rush hour, people come and go very quickly,” City Planner Bill Dermody said during Wednesday’s meeting.

He explained that the convenient option has raised concerns about late vehicles, pedestrian and cyclist safety, litter and pollution. There are around 80 self-service stores throughout the city.

RELATED: St. Paul considers restricting new drive-thrus

“A little more than half of our pharmacies have self-service. Three-quarters of our banks do it,” Dermody said. “Less than 10% of our restaurants have drive-thru service and only two of our cafes.”

A proposed ordinance would prevent new restaurants and cafes from having drive-thru service. However, it does establish rules for walk-in windows.

It also updates the zoning where drive-thru drives for pharmacies and banks can operate.

It is based on recommendations from the planning commission after months of work over the spring and summer.

“Why now? Certain self-services that have caused a lot of problems have given it more urgency,” Dermody said.

He pointed to reinforcements at the Starbucks on Snelling and Marshall avenues. The company converted the drive-thru into a patio about two years ago.

“Goodwill is not the same as public policy, so it is about creating public policies that help have more responsible use of land,” said council president Mitra Jalali.

The ordinance faces criticism from the St. Paul Area Chamber.

“This ordinance is problematic in many ways,” said Executive Director B Kyle, who worries it will prevent new development. “Companies hear ‘No, thank you.'”

Drive-thrus offer an important option, according to Kyle.

“I am deeply concerned for moms and dads with children, those with physical or other limitations that make drive-thru a requirement,” she said. “Those people won’t be served and there are communities right next door that would be more than happy to take over that business.”

There will be a public hearing on the ordinance next Wednesday.