Regulation of the Day 156: Happy Meals

With an 8-3 vote, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors banned the greatest menace facing it or any other city: Happy Meals.

Restaurants are no longer allowed to include a free toy with kid’s meals. “This is a challenge to the restaurant industry to think about children’s health first,” said the bill’s sponsor, Eric Mar. He was named Reason.tv’s Nanny of the Month for his troubles.

I’m guessing restaurants’ first thoughts about the ban are not printable on this blog.

There is a loophole, though. If a kid’s meal is under 600 calories, includes sufficient amounts of fruit and vegetables, and does not include a sugary drink, then restaurants may include a toy.

Children’s reactions are said to be less than positive. Hearing “no” now and again is an important part of not growing up spoiled; though parents are the ones who should be saying it. But who needs parents when the nanny state is here?