Model Ordinance Regulating Sales of Sugary Drinks

There are a variety of potential strategies to reduce the prevalence of sugary drinks in stores and restaurants, where sugary drinks are ubiquitous, extremely cheap, and available in massive portion sizes.

ChangeLab Solutions developed this Model Ordinance Regulating Sales of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages as one tool to help communities reduce the consumption of sugary drinks and increase the consumption of healthy beverages. 

It contains a range of options for regulating retail sales of sugary drinks, including portion size restrictions and pricing regulations. It also contains options to increase the availability and attractiveness of water and to reduce sales of sugary drinks with children’s meals.

Both the Sugary Drink Strategy Playbook and its companion guide, A Legal and Practical Guide for Designing Sugary Drink Taxes, offer the most updated information on regulating sugary drinks. The research (background info) on this model ordinance is outdated, but the model language (specifically referring to serving size regulations, children's meal regulations, and price discounting) may still be useful. Contact us with questions!