McDonald’s customers may soon have to pay for drink refills as the company moves away from self-serve soda machines, according to multiple reports.
Last September, the fast food giant announced that it would be transitioning away from self-serve beverage stations in dining rooms across the U.S. by 2032.
“This change is intended to create a consistent experience for both customers and crew across all ordering points, whether that’s McDelivery, the app, kiosk, drive-thru or in-restaurant,” McDonald’s said in a statement to KTLA.
Now, customers may be charged for refills, depending on the location, reports say.
“Individual franchisees will decide whether their restaurant will charge for refills,” McDonald’s told USA Today in a statement.
KTLA reached out to McDonald’s but didn’t receive a response in time for publication.
At some McDonald’s locations nationwide, self-serve soda fountains have already been removed, while others plan to do the same.
One McDonald’s location has already removed its self-serve beverage station in Orange County. Customers that visit that store have to ask employees for refills at the counter, Insider reported.
The news comes as the company considers adding a value meal to menus, as many think McDonald’s is no longer affordable.
