The Denver City Council is evaluating a proposal to restrict sugary drinks like soda, juice, and lemonade from children’s menus offered by restaurants in the city. This initiative targets beverages included in “combo meals” specifically.
The primary goal is to encourage healthier beverage choices for children. Public health data indicates a significant number of Denver restaurants (roughly 400) offer sugary drinks with kids’ meals. If implemented, the proposal would mandate restaurants to solely offer water and milk as beverage choices within children’s meal packages.
Parents would still retain the ability to purchase sugary drinks for their children outside the scope of the combo meals.
Organizations like ViVe Wellness advocate for the proposal, highlighting the pressure parents face when sugary options are readily displayed on menus.
“Families were really happy because a lot of them said we try to keep our kids healthy, but when you see them on the menu it’s very hard. You’re fighting with your child trying to convince them not to have that but then it’s there,” Yoli Casas, executive director of ViVe Wellness told Denver7.
The proposal aligns with similar ordinances already established in nearby Colorado cities like Lafayette, Longmont, and Golden. Studies by Denver Public Health link high consumption of sugary drinks to increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart issues, and even cancer.
If this policy goes through, enforcement won’t commence until July 2025, allowing ample time for adjustment. Restaurants would be eligible to request financial assistance (up to $2,000) to cover menu modification costs.
