Denver would ban sugary drinks from kids’ menus in proposed ordinance

By Brian Michel on March 8, 2024

Restaurants could see an overhaul to their kids’ menus beginning in July of next year.

Under the proposed ordinance which the City Council’s business committee put forth on Wednesday, and as reported in the Denver Gazette, restaurants in Denver would only be able to offer water or milk as “default” drink options.

While not clear what Mayor Mike Johnston thinks about the ordinance, the entire council still must deliberate the proposal.

Within the proposal, “default” beverage is defined in a kid’s meal to mean one of two things – water, “still or sparkling, with no added sugar” or “dairy milk or non-dairy milk substitute with no added sugar.”

The key in the proposal is no added sugar.