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            San Francisco Soda Ads Will Soon Include Health Warnings

   by VOA News

   Advertisements for sugary drinks in public venues in San Francisco will
   have to carry a warning that the beverages may contribute to obesity,
   despite a challenge from by soda companies claiming the requirement
   impeded their freedom of speech.

   Labels reading "WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s)
   contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay." will be required on
   advertisements for sodas and other sugary beverages placed on
   billboards, buses, transit shelters, posters and stadiums in San
   Francisco.

   Warnings will not, however, be required in TV and radio advertisements.

   The law, approved unanimously by the San Francisco city council, will
   take effect July 25th. The measure also prohibits city departments from
   using city money to buy sugary drinks.

   The American Beverage Association filed a case with a federal court in
   Northern California, arguing that the new law would infringe their
   First Amendment Right, but U.S. District Court Judge Edward M. Chen
   decided Tuesday that the measure would not be put on hold while the
   case proceeds.

   The judge said the city "has a legitimate interest in public health and
   safety" and that it "had a reasonable basis" for implicating
   sugar-sweetened beverages as a cause of obesity, diabetes and tooth
   decay.  He added that the beverage industry, retailers, and outdoor
   advertising companies were unlikely to succeed in their challenge.

   The opponents of the warning indicated they will likely appeal the
   decision.

   San Francisco will become the first city in the United States to
   mandate health warnings for soda advertisements.
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   ude-health-warnings/3335164.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/san-francisco-soda-ads-will-soon-include-health-warnings/3335164.html