Kittleman Repeals Sugary Drink Ban in Howard County

In his first week in office, Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman signed an Executive Order repealing the ban on the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages on county property and at county-sponsored events, according to a statement from Howard County Government. The order is effective immediately.

Previous County Executive Ken Ulman ordered the ban in December 2012 as a measure to combat obesity, several months after New York City proposed a similar ban, which the Supreme Court ruled was unconstitutional in 2013.

“We fully support efforts to control obesity ... but there is an appropriate role for government to play, and this ban clearly overstepped that role,” Kittleman, who took office Monday, said.

See Also: Six Steps Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman Plans to Take

Controlling obesity was best approached from a different angle, according to Kittleman.

“Banning someone from purchasing a soda at a county park isn’t going to change their health habits. Better education is the key to dealing with this issue, not simple bans,” Kittleman said.

The county executive said he plans to work with nonprofit organizations like the Horizon Foundation to continue educating citizens about nutrition. “Getting them motivated to take responsibility for their own health and well-being will make a larger difference in the long run,” Kittleman said.

Photo Credit: Madison Patch

Related:

• Columbia Nonprofit Challenges Coca-Cola in TV Ads
• County to Shift to New Sweetened Beverage Standards