SF Votes to Add Warnings to Sugary Drink Advertisements

SF Votes to Add Warnings to Sugary Drink Advertisements

San Francisco is the

first city in the United States to legislate that advertisements for

sugar-sweetened beverages must display a warning label about their health

effects. The mandatory warning—which reads “Drinking beverages with added

sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay”—is set to go into

effect on July 25. Within San Francisco city limits, the warning must

cover 20% of any sugary drink advertisement, including billboards,

buses, transit shelters, posters, and stadiums.  

The American Beverage Association, California Retailers Association, and California State Outdoor Advertising Association fought to have the law struck down as unconstitutional. The allies argued such a law violates their constitutional right of free speech by forcing them to display a message they don’t approve. Their battle was lost, however, with US District Court Judge Edward M. Chen ruling the law can stand. San Francisco, the ruling stated, is one step closer to protecting the best interests of the public’s health by providing clear information so that consumers can make informed decisions. 

Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter

June 2016