Not quite. But it could be coming.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has implemented a plan that he hopes will ban the sale of large sodas and sugary drinks at restaurants, delis, and movie theaters in order to combat obesity.
According to the NY Times,
“The proposed ban would affect virtually the entire menu of popular sugary drinks found in delis, fast-food franchises and even sports arenas, from energy drinks to pre-sweetened iced teas. The sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 fluid ounces — about the size of a medium coffee, and smaller than a common soda bottle — would be prohibited under the first-in-the-nation plan, which could take effect as soon as next March.”
The New York City Beverage Association is critical of the decision, believing that Bloomberg is singling out sodas when there are a slew of other decisions he should be making in reagards to obesity.
If this plan is agreed upon by the Board of Health, it could go into effect as early as next summer.
Proponent of the beverage Industry, Stefan Friedman, believes, “It’s time for serious health professionals to move on and seek solutions that are going to actually curb obesity. These zealous proposals just distract from the hard work that needs to be done on this front.”
Bloomberg has brought public health to the forefront of his tenure in office. He is responsible for the banning of smoking in parks and restaurants in NY, while he’s also made it a requirement for health inspection grades to be posted in restaurant windows.
Last night Jon Stewart took the mayor’s draconian law to task, check it out:
| The Daily Show with Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Drink Different | ||||
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What do you think? Is this a good initiative or an assault on our personal freedoms?
It’s good decision. “Personal freedom” is complicated and more often than not is influenced and shaped by direction; there are so many unnecessary calories in a CAN of soda… that big gulp cup needs to be put to rest.
@Kristine: &consumerism, media, and advertisements not “direction”
What a terrible and nonsensical law. Regulation of cigarettes is stupid also. New York is crazy for this! How about banning the high fructose corn syrup in those drinks which would raise the price making water more of a viable option. How about banning formaldehyde in cigarettes which is leading cause of respiratory diseases in second smoke.
Yeah, I live in NYC and there are bigger fish to fry. Honestly, I don’t care about this particular law either way, worst comes to worst ppl will buy 2 drinks, but that’s surely gonna cost more and look awkward w/ me walking down the street with my 2 cups of fruit punch from Taco Bell.
NYC is on a mission to MAKE you be “healthier.” You can’t smoke in a park now. In a park. Outside. I don’t smoke, but it’s still silly to me.