SF State Students Battle University's Sugary Drink Contract

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- Students at San Francisco State University are objecting to plans to give "pouring rights" to Coca -Cola, Pepsi or some other sugary drink company.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday that such contracts are common at universities.

The rights allow the winning company to sell all the fountain drinks at residence halls and sporting events, as well as stock machines and campus stores.

S.F. State University released a request for proposals last spring.

Celia LoBuono Gonzalez, a 22-year-old junior, says she's furious that university officials would jeopardize students' health by promoting such unhealthy drinks.

University President Leslie Wong says the school has made no decisions and is trying to figure out whether to enter into such an agreement.

Opponents of sugary beverages say the drinks add empty calories and can contribute to obesity and rotting teeth. Soda makers tell the newspaper that they offer a variety of choices, including healthy and zero-calorie drinks.

San Francisco voters in 2014 rejected a 2-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks. The proposal received more than half of votes, but it needed a steep two-thirds majority to pass.

Backers will try to qualify another sugary soda tax measure for the 2016 November ballot.

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