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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.”
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.
When they outlaw Coke, only outlaws will drink Coke.
Big time GOP politicians telling all of us how to live...
Bloomberg is an independent. And, if you knew anything, this is right in line with democratic policies of regulating everything to death and big government.
Bloomberg, is a demosocalist....just like Obummer...get your facts straight....MORON! As usual, the government is trying to tell us how to live...how did it work for the USSR!
Semper Fi
Actually, he is independent who leans left, but don't let that stop you!
I voted for Obama and was estatic when we got a democrat in office, but I'm so darned sick of these liberals and their agenda I'm actually considering voting republican this time around. Bunch of control freak cry babies.
What's Bloomberg's party affiliation? You'll have to answer quickly; it changes!
If I were to drink a 16oz. Coke in NY how long would I have to wait until it was legal to drink another?
BTW – Big Gulps are mostly ice.
So true! I love it!
You are absolutely right. What will stop us from going to buy a second or even third drink? It is so ridiculous.
Ummm...land of the free?
The fake Government of the people is at it again. This is not representing the people this is representing the insurance industries.
Folks we no longer have a Government of the people, for the people and by the people, we have rulers who dictate how we live our lives.
didn't we revolt against England for less than this?
Don't ban it, tax the hell out of it!
...and plow the proceeds directly into health care.
sure, give him more ideas (if he hasn't already thought of this one....how about if he taxed lettuce or tomatoes (assuming you eat these), how would you like it? Taxing to the hilt is not the answer my friend.
$1 tax on Big Mac's & Whoppers! It's good for the children.
NY, you voted him in why don't you vote him out?
You have the most sane comment to date! Thank you.
He doesn't have the rocks to touch NY's pizza. That would set off a riot of massive proportions.
Awesome. In Denmark all these are taxed.
Denmark is a satanist country.
Hey tesla....he's a republican. Jus sayin'
What people drink is non of anyones business. When they find out that all those diet drinks are killing them faster than the ones with sugar in them.
It becomes your business when you have to foot a portion of their medical treatment expense because they now have diabetes as a result of eating the wrong foods and drinking the wrong drinks during their lifetime. I agree that the government shouldn't need to be involved with a decision like this but it seems society has left mo other option.
I believe the Mayor owns the soda company or has part in it and knows people will have to buy two or more soda's instead of one large.This needs to be looked at farther!!!!This is becoming a communist country the more we watch the news.
What is the the SOFT DRINK PATRIOT ACT. Mr. Mayor your not our FATHER
Mayor Bloomberg must have a lot of time on his hands if this is the biggest priority on his agenda.