SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGTV) -- A California bill announced Wednesday would ban soda companies from offering coupons for any sugar-sweetened drinks.
AB 764, introduced by Assemblymember Rob Bonta, a Democrat from Oakland, goes as far as to ban companies from offering any promotional incentive for sugar-sweetened beverages.
In a statement, Bonta blames marketing practices used by soda manufacturers for contributing to a “public health epidemic of obesity and diabetes.”
“Specifically, manufacturers subsidize the cost of sugary drinks, which substantially lowers their prices and increases their consumption particularly in low-income communities. Often times these practices result in soda being cheaper than bottled water," Bonta said.
In a Facebook post, Bonta said several bills introduced Wednesday would also “provide revenue to offset the costs to our health care system from the overconsumption of sugar-laden sodas like Coke and Pepsi, and other sugary drinks.”
“Seriously? This is what they choose to focus on,” one Facebook commenter said out of frustration.
“This is about the stupidest thing I've ever heard of. This is America. We don't need politicians controlling what we drink or eat. Why stop there? Bread and potatoes and complex carbs are converted into simple sugar in the blood. Ban them too! Force everyone to go keto! SMH,” another comment of Facebook read.
Though several people voiced concerns over the bill, many seemed supportive.
“Good job Rob,” one Facebook comment read.
The bill is co-sponsored by the California Medical Association and the California Dental Association.
