Business Regulation - Sugary Beverage Advertisements - Warning Labels

HB 1556 requires businesses to include a specific health warning label on advertisements for sugary beverages placed on state, county, or municipal property. The label, which must be in bold, boxed, and highly visible, states: "WARNING: DRINKING BEVERAGES WITH ADDED SUGAR CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OBESITY, TYPE 2 DIABETES, AND TOOTH DECAY. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN. MARYLAND STATE HEALTH WARNING." This applies to beverages containing added sugars or nonnutritive sweeteners (like aspartame or sucralose), excluding plain sugar. Violations could result in daily civil penalties up to $1,000, effective October 1, 2026.