Whanganui District Council likely to ban sugary drinks from council land

No more fizzy on council land? Mayor Hamish McDouall says it's possible. Photo/File

Whanganui is likely to ban sugary drinks being sold at council-owned grounds and facilities, Mayor Hamish McDouall says.

Local Government New Zealand this week passed a remit asking local councils around the country to consider a Sugar Sweetened Beverage Policy.

Mr McDouall said he supported a measure that would restrict the sale of fizzy drinks, possibly some sports drinks, and other high-sugar beverages from council properties.

This could include the Opera House, Cooks Gardens and the War Memorial Centre, but Mr McDouall said details would need to be worked out.

He said a high-sugar diet had serious health effects, and while the policy wouldn't affect buying and selling from dairies or supermarkets, it was an important message to send.

"I look at the end point and this is one step on the way. What I would love to see is a reduction in sugar consumption in Whanganui," he said.

"Obviously we need to work out to what extent sugary drinks are sold at certain venues in town - it would seem a bit odd not to have the Opera House offering those drinks at half time entertainment," he said.

"But for other facilities, like the council building, we think it's an important message to send about sugary drinks and the serious effects of sugar."

A council spokeswoman said she could only think of one vending machine on council facilities, which was in the council office itself. Cooks Gardens has a bar, but it was unclear and more unlikely for there to be any change to what they could serve.

The spokeswoman said it was more about being "community leaders" and role models rather than restricting access, considering it would still be easy to buy the drinks around town.

The remit was proposed by Hastings District Council at local government's annual conference, which passed with a vote of 61 per cent. The remit was not binding but asked local councils to consider such a policy.

Nelson City Council already has a policy which removed high-sugar drinks from vending machines on council property and workplaces, and encouraged the public not to consume them at council events.

The New Zealand Dental Association welcomed the measure.

"It recognises the key role that local government can have in creating environments that have a positive impact on public health," said NZDA spokesperson Dr Rob Beaglehole.

The World Health Organisation said humans don't need any sugar in their diet. It said if people do consume sugary drinks, they should limit the amount to 250mL - about 75 per cent of a can a day.

Mr McDouall said he expected very little, if any, public opposition to the measure. He hoped highlighting sugar consumption as something which was a real risk factor in developing obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, the district could be healthier.

"I've talked to the chair of the [District Health Board] Dot McKinnon and she said she'd be really interested in partnering with the council about some things which affects society in general. This is one thing I identify immediately as having a substantial benefit."