ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) says that a decision by the University of Vermont to ban the sale of bottled water, while at the same time mandating that vending machines contain 1/3 healthy beverages, sends a contradictory and confusing message to its students, according to a press release.

The decision also restricts freedom of choice for students to choose one of the healthiest beverages available in vending machines, stated the release.

“The university has failed to understand that bottled water is most often an alternative to other packaged drinks, which are often less healthy, and is not necessarily an alternative to tap water,” says Chris Hogan, IBWA Vice President of Communications.

To read the entire press release, click here.