The American Beverage Association (ABA) has filed a lawsuit against the city of San Francisco regarding the implementation of a new rule that will require advertisements of sugary beverages including sodas, energy drinks and sports drinks to carry health risk warning labels.

The lawsuit follows the 9 June vote of lawmakers in favour of the rule that is a first of its kind in the US.

Likely to be effective by the end of this summer, the products will need to carry a label that would read: "WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. This is a message from the City and County of San Francisco."

As per the ordinance, drinks with over 25 calories from sweeteners per 12 ounces will be required to carry the warnings.

Sports and energy drinks, vitamin waters and iced teas containing more than 25 calories will also be required to display the warning.

Additionally, the San Francisco mayor Edward Lee has signed two ordinances that will ban advertisements for sugary beverages on publicly-owned property and restrict the allocation of city funds to purchase sugary beverages. Under this law, it will be illegal to place ads in parks and bus stops, reported the San Francisco News.

According to city official Scott Wiener, the move is part of the city’s efforts to present the people of the city with facts to help them make informed decisions about what beverages they want to consume.