France is banning free refills
France moves to ban free-refill culture of sugary drinks in bid to combat obesity
France has taken another step in its efforts to combat obesity, after the National Assembly voted to ban free-refills of sugar-filled drinks at shops and fast food chains.
Put forward by UDI member of parliament Arnaud Richard and voted through almost unanimously by MPs in the evening on 1 April, the health care law amendment will apply to any public place and ban access to fountains dispensing sugary drinks.
The ban would include those containing sweeteners which “contribute to the development and maintenance of an appetite for sweet taste”, Le Monde reported.
Richard said unlimited fizzy drinks in restaurants contributed to obesity and made children and young people become addicted to sugar.
The amendment states: “Whether they are paid for or not, self-service fountains dispensing drinks with added sugars or artificial sweeteners are banned in all public places or those which are open to the public.”
The list of soft drinks that the ban would cover is to be published at a later date, whilst the bill must also pass through the Senate before it becomes official law.
