Soda pop back on BYU campuses
Utah university reverses ban on caffeinated soft drinks
PROVO, Utah — Mormon churchowned Brigham Young University ended a six-decade ban Thursday on the sale of caffeinated soft drinks on campus, surprising students by posting a picture of a can of CocaCola on Twitter and just two words: “It’s happening.”
The move sparked social media celebrations from current and former students, with many recalling how they had hauled their own two-litre bottles of caffeinated pop in their backpacks to keep awake for long study sessions.
The university never banned having caffeinated drinks on campus, but held firm to the ban on sales even when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2012 clarified that church health practices do not prevent members from drinking caffeinated soft drinks.
The ban has been in place since the mid-1950s. But officials with the school of 33,000 students in Provo, Utah, said Thursday that increasing demand prompted the change.
Students were a buzz about a change that meant they’ll no longer have to make off-campus runs to load up on their favourite caffeinated soft drinks to jolt their sleep-deprived brains.
“It’s about time,” said Sara McLaws, a junior advertising and graphic design major. “BYU is a great school but it’s behind in some ways. Just the small change of allowing caffeinated beverages — because it’s not against our religion — it’s high time.”
As cafeteria workers stocked refrigerators in the student centre food court with caffeinated Diet Coke, Coca-Cola and other caffeinated sodas, students joked about it being the “best day ever.”
“I absolutely love it.” said Mckay Murphy, a junior statistics major. “I’m a really big fan of caffeine and just soda in general so it’s nice to have it on campus with easy access.”
Caffeinated soft drinks will also be sold at sporting events that draw tens of thousands of fans. Sales of highly caffeinated energy drinks are still banned.
The Utah-based Mormon religion directs its nearly 16 million worldwide members to avoid alcohol and hot beverages such as coffee and tea as part of an 1833 revelation from Mormon founder Joseph Smith.
Amber Whiteley, a mother who is pursuing her doctorate in counselling psychology. said the change could impact views among Mormons about caffeine. She said some older Mormons in her Salt Lake City congregation still believe all caffeine is prohibited.
“Maybe this will be one more way to get the word out that it’s OK to have caffeine,” she said.