US Beverage Industry Granted Preliminary Block on Introduction of Health Warnings on Sodas in San Francisco
09 Jun 2016 --- US beverage industry groups have been granted a preliminary injunction blocking the introduction of health warnings on advertisements for sodas and other sugary drinks in San Francisco.
The law was slated to come into effect on July 25 but a ruling on Tuesday by US district judge Edward Chen granted the American Beverage Association an injunction while the US Court of Appeal scrutinizes the deal, an apparent U-turn on an earlier ruling by the judge.
However, the injunction is in place for just a limited amount of time, as the judge said the appeal by the US beverage industry is likely to to be hurried through.
The appeal has been granted as the judge said there were "serious questions" about the new rule, particularly that the health warning should cover one fifth of the advertisement.
The introduction of the rule would mean that San Francisco would become the first US city to introduce such a health warning.
Drinks' manufacturers will now have to include the warning “WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. This s a message from the City and County of San Francisco" in such advertising.
The rule applies to outdoor ads, ads on walls, bus shelters and vehicles but not in newspapers and magazines.
The American Beverage Association, which argues the new rules contravene its rights to free speech, welcomed the intervention by the judge.
The California Retailers Association is also backing the American Beverage Association.
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