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.
advertisement
advertisement
Coca-Cola and Pepsico ought to tell the Mayor that fair is fair and they will be removing all the free scoreboards they provide to city schools.