Wis. Budget Panel Votes To Prohibit Sugary Drinks Bans

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — No Wisconsin city could prohibit the sale of large, sugary drinks as was done in New York City under a provision that has been added to the state budget.

Republicans on the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee succeeded Thursday in putting the prohibition in the budget. Democrats voted against it as an infringement on local control and unnecessary given that no Wisconsin city has passed such a ban.

The provision added to the budget would prohibit any Wisconsin city or county from enacting a ban or resolution disallowing or restricting the sale of any food or drink based on the number of calories, portion size or other nutritional criteria.

The full Legislature and Gov. Scott Walker must agree to the prohibition before it becomes law.

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