Onward to the Nanny State

Two items in Nanny State News today!

First, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has banned soda, sports drinks and sweetened ice teas from city property:

In an attempt to reduce the city’s rising obesity rates, Menino has banned all sugary drinks from city vending machines, cafeterias and concession stands, just one day after reaching an agreement with the Boston Red Sox that allows the team to sell mixed drinks at its ballpark.

“I want to create a civic environment that makes the healthier choice the easier choice in people’s lives, whether it’s schools, work sites, or other places in the community," said Menino in the press release issued last week about the soda ban...

I suppose the mixed drinks are only allowed if they use sugar free mixings?  Are city workers allowed to circumvent the ban by bringing their own?

Second, some Chicago schools ban lunches brought from home:

..."Nutrition wise, it is better for the children to eat at the school," Carmona said. "It's about the nutrition and the excellent quality food that they are able to serve (in the lunchroom). It's milk versus a Coke. But with allergies and any medical issue, of course, we would make an exception."

Carmona said she created the policy six years ago after watching students bring "bottles of soda and flaming hot chips" on field trips for their lunch. Although she would not name any other schools that employ such practices, she said it was fairly common...

  Well, it's Chicago after all, maybe they should just get used to institutional food.