• April 8, 2011

Boston mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced that he is expanding the city's existing ban on sugar-sweetened drinks in schools (implemented in 2004) to include all city properties and functions, including events and meetings, reports the Boston Globe's Boston.com.

That means no high-sugar drinks in vending machines in city buildings and departments, which have been given six months to purge the drinks (plus any vending machines or other items that bear promotions of such drinks).

The ban spans all high-sugar drinks, including sodas, sports/energy drinks, refrigerated coffee drinks and juices with added sugar. Diet and low-sugar beverages, bottled water, flavored and unflavored seltzer water, low-fat milk, and unsweetened soymilk will be allowed.

Mayor Menino, who has battled weight problems, and his administration have been active in supporting healthier food options/venues such as farmers markets and sponsoring activities that encourage residents to exercise, such as a bike-share program.  Menino said that too many Bostonians are overweight or obese.

Following his lead, Carney Hospital in Dorchester also announced that it will ban sweetened beverages on its grounds.