San Francisco hospital will stop offering sugary drinks

SAN FRANCISCO -- Another San Francisco hospital plans to stop offering sugar sweetened beverages, saying that the drinks are unhealthy.

The prohibition at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center starts Friday, and applies to gift shops, vending machines and cafeterias as well as to patient meals. Public health advocates say too much sugar is linked to diabetes and other health problems

Earlier this week, San Francisco's Board of Supervisors approved a trio of ordinances aimed at curbing liquid sugar consumption. One ordinance requires health warnings on certain print advertising of sugar sweetened beverages, such as regular cola, iced teas and sports drinks.

Milk, unadulterated fruit juice, and diet sodas are OK.

Last month, UC San Francisco announced phasing out sales of sugar-sweetened drinks at its campuses, hospitals and clinics starting July 1.