I enjoy going through the drive-thru once in a while to get a burger and fries. It’s quick, easy and pretty inexpensive. However, the news that a popular fast food establishment is planning on adding a little something extra for those 21 and over to its menu has me raising my eyebrow.

The famous burger joint is reportedly going to try offering beer on its menu in high tourist traffic areas before branching out, with the first attempt in Miami Beach, Fla. So, I don’t think beer will be available with our fast food burgers in this area any time soon, but because of the possibility and because one “fast food bar” has already opened, a number of concerns have crossed my mind.

When I think of the popular fast food places, a family-oriented atmosphere comes to mind. These are places where parents can bring their children for a quick treat on payday. On a long road trip, kids are heard asking to get a burger from the king or get fries at the golden arches, and typically you don’t see families with children stopping at bars during their vacation. I suppose it depends on how long the trip is, and how rambunctious the children are, and how many times they ask, “Are we there yet?” Maybe then the parents would need a drink, but, I digress.

For the sake of the argument let’s say the fast food restaurant will still be family-oriented. The only difference is that parents will now be able to sip on a 22-, 32-, or 42-ounce beer or two while they wait for their children to get tired of playing in the ball pit so they can drive them home safely. Hmm, something doesn’t seem right with that picture.

Another problem that arises with this concept is the drive-thru. I’m sure the legalities will not allow the restaurant to sell the beer through the drive-up window; however, I’m no law enforcement officer. Even if it is illegal to sell the alcoholic drink at the drive-thru window, what is the difference between that and having a person get out of their vehicle, walk into the restaurant, buy a 42-ounce beer, get back into their vehicle, and sip on the brew through the bendy straw so nicely provided by the high school-aged cashier?

That brings up my last point. Will teenagers under 18 years old, who are trying to earn a little bit of cash to save for college while they finish high school, be able to work at the fast food establishment serving alcohol?

Now, I can understand that some people want to have a beer with a burger. Fine, but it just seems wrong to have that option at a fast food place. I also understand that not everyone who goes to this burger joint has children, but either way, if people can’t go one meal without having a beer, there’s a problem.

It’s especially disconcerting to me that there is a smoking ban that will take place in Michigan May 1, which will prohibit smoking in public establishments such as restaurants, bars and hotels that serve food or beverages, yet a new idea is being incorporated to sell alcohol at more places. It just sounds hypocritical to me.

But, rest assured, if you do like the idea of the new menu item, instead of just the Kids Meal and the Big Kids Meal, you will soon be able to purchase the Daddy Meal, where the prize at the bottom of the greasy bag the first week will be one of five styles of a Breathalyzer.