California Resurrects Bloomberg-Like Soda Ban

SACRAMENTO – The California Legislature might have approved a ban that prohibits cities from approving new taxes on soda, but that doesn’t mean lawmakers are done limiting soda consumption, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Lawmakers have introduced bills that would prohibit large soda and sugary drink displays, as well as require warning labels on soft drinks. “We have an incredible public health crisis. Obesity and diabetes are at alarming rates, driven by the deception of Big Soda,” said Assemblyman David Chiu.

One bill would limit the size of sugar-sweetened drinks sold in unsealed containers—fountain drinks—to 16 ounces in retail locations, including restaurants. This measure is very similar to one backed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, which New York courts ultimately ruled as unconstitutional in June 2014.

Another bill would require sugary beverages to have a warning label about the health risk of consuming it. San Francisco had enacted a similar ordinance, which is currently being reviewed by the courts. A third measure would ban sugary drink displays near the cashier in retail stores, including grocery stores and convenience stores.

A fourth bill would prohibit soda makers from running promos that reduce the cost of sugary beverages in stores, while a fifth proposal would place a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks to fund health programs.

“These kinds of regressive taxes are not supported by the people of California because they place an unfair burden on working families and neighborhood businesses already struggling with the state’s high cost of living,” the American Beverage Association said in a statement. “We are committed to working with the Legislature on effective ways to address its budgetary and public health concerns and to ensure that food and beverages remain affordable for all Californians.”