Mayor Menino Issues Order to End Sugary Drink Sales on City Property

Here's an official press release from the city of Boston:

Citing a link between the consumption of sugary beverages and rising obesity rates and healthcare costs, Mayor Thomas M. Menino today issued an executive order requiring City departments to take steps in the next six months to phase out the sale, advertising, and promotion of sugary beverages on City-owned property.

“Now is the time to expand our efforts that began in our public schools and set an example for the city as a whole,” Mayor Menino said, referring to the 2004 ban on soda and junk food in vending machines in Boston Public Schools. “I want to create a civic environment that makes the healthier choice the easier choice in people’s lives, whether it’s schools, worksites, or other places in the community.”

Mayor Menino announced the executive order at a City Hall press conference where he was joined by Boston Public Health Commission officials and leading health and nutrition experts, including Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health and Bill Walczak, president of Carney Hospital in Dorchester.

Mayor Menino is the modern day authoritarian personality. He knows what's good for you. Unfortunately , he lacks the discipline to practice what he preaches. Mayor Menino is always big on restraining trade and consumer choice by preventing Wal-Mart in Boston.