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New York Mayor wants big sugary drinks banned.

If New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has his way, you won't be gulping down any 44-ounce Cokes at any of the Big Apple's eateries after March 2013.

Citing what he says is the contribution sugary beverages make to obesity in the U.S., Bloomberg says the buck, and the big Dr. Pepper, stops with him.

“Obesity is a nationwide problem, and all over the United States, public health officials are wringing their hands saying, ‘Oh, this is terrible.’ New York City is not about wringing your hands; it’s about doing something. I think that’s what the public wants the mayor to do,” Bloomberg told The New York Times.

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His proposal would ban any the sale of any sugary beverage over 16 ounces in any of the city's restaurants, delis, movie theaters or even street carts, according to reports from New York.

Sales of sweetened drinks larger than 16 ounces would still be permitted in supermarkets and convenience stores, according to the reports, including one from CNN affiliate NY1.

Bloomberg's ban would not apply to diet drinks, juices, milkshakes or alcohol, according to the NY1 report.



The New York City Beverage Association responded quickly Wednesday.

“There they go again. The New York City Health Department’s unhealthy obsession with attacking soft drinks is again pushing them over the top. The city is not going to address the obesity issue by attacking soda because soda is not driving the obesity rates. It’s time for serious health professionals to move on and seek solutions that are going to actually curb obesity,” the group said in a statement, according to NY1.

According to the Times report, more than half of New York's adults are obese or overweight, and the city says more than 30% of its citizens drink at least one sweetened beverage daily.

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James Estrada, a 41-year-old truck driver from Queens, New York told the New York Post that it doesn't make sense to just ban large sizes for everyone.

“I’m 6-2, 230 pounds so . . . serving sizes don’t really apply to me,” Estrada told the Post. “I just know that’s not enough for me. I usually get a large because it’s a good deal and I take long trips. I don’t want to stop every hour for another drink.”

How I kicked my Coke habit

If Bloomberg's plan goes through, there's still a way to drown yourself in Pepsi. The Times says while fast-food restaurants could only give out cups holding 16 ounces or less, free refills are allowed. So just plan for more trips to the soda bar.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/31/new-york-mayor-wants-big-sugary-drinks-banned/
7 Responses
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1310633 tn?1430224091
Yes... because childhood obesity is caused by big, sugary drinks, not irresponsible parents stuffing their children with BigMac's and other fast-foods.

"Mr. Street Vendor... can I please get a MEDIUM Coke with my large fries and 2 extra-long chili-cheese dogs with everything???"
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So no free refills? Not acceptable! I do imagine the restaurants will be the only ones to profit from this one. It always has to do with the almighty dollar once you cut the spin. Oh by the way, the guy that has this going told us it was national donut day! And that is different! I guess it doesnt include sugary food!
Helpful - 0
148588 tn?1465778809
More junk science since the pancreas can't tell the difference between the sugar in a soda and the sugar in organic apple juice. Both will overwork your pancreas and lead to diabetes.
Stupid pancreas.
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
Once again a politician attempting to use legislation when the real answer lies in education.  Good grief.
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
Oh, and El...make that a big mac, large fries and a medium coke...on second thought make that a medium DIET coke please..lol..
Helpful - 0
206807 tn?1331936184
It seems to me if this were to pass, the Courts would step in and rule it Unconstitutional
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ban anything larger than 16 oz. ?  Brilliant.... now someone will go in and instead of buying a 32 oz beverage, they will buy 2 or more 16 oz beverages.  What have we solved?  (If you answered nothing, you are correct.)



Helpful - 0
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