Saying goodbye to sugary soda with your kid’s burger and fries? That’s the new reality in Denver after the City Council passed an ordinance on Tuesday that bans restaurants from featuring sugary drinks on their children’s menus.
This move aims to tackle childhood obesity and related health concerns. From now on, when your little one picks out a Denver kids’ meal, they’ll be offered healthier defaults: water (sparkling or still, with no added sugar!) or plain milk, including dairy or non-dairy options.
Councilman Chris Hinds, a strong advocate for the ordinance, pointed to the rising tide of childhood obesity and diabetes. “Let’s set our kids up for success,” he said, emphasizing the importance of healthy habits early on. He also addressed concerns about personal choice, comparing the sugary drink ban to the city’s plastic bag policy. Just like that nudge to bring reusable bags, this aims to gently steer kids towards healthier options.
This isn’t the first splash Denver has made in promoting healthy choices for kids. The city joins other Colorado communities like Lafayette, Longmont, and Golden with similar regulations. It’s also part of a national trend, with California, Delaware, and Hawaii already having similar laws in place.
So next time you take your little one out for a Denver bite, be prepared for a healthier beverage selection on their menu. Here’s to raising a glass (of water or milk!) to a healthier future for Denver’s kids!
