Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal would impose a 16-ounce limit on sugary drinks sold at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts.
Various size cups and sugar cubes are displayed Thursday at a news conference at New York's City Hall. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing a ban on the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks in the city's restaurants, delis and movie theaters in the hopes of combating obesity, an expansion of his administration's efforts to encourage healthy behavior by limiting residents' choices. “The percentage of the population that is obese is skyrocketing,” Bloomberg said today on MSNBC. He added: “We’ve got to do something.”The proposal marks the first time an American city has so directly attempted to limit sugary-drink portion sizes. City officials said they believe it will ultimately prove popular with New Yorkers and push governments around the U.S. to adopt similar rules.
The idea immediately sparked renewed accusations that the Bloomberg administration is sticking its nose into matters best left to individuals.
“New Yorkers expect and deserve better than this. They can make their own choices about the beverages they purchase,” Coca-Cola Co. said in a statement. “We hope New Yorkers loudly voice their disapproval about this arbitrary mandate.”The proposal requires the approval of the city’s Board of Health — considered likely because its members are all appointed by Bloomberg.
The administration’s proposal would impose a 16-ounce limit on sugary drinks sold at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts.
It would apply to bottled drinks — many plastic soda bottles contains 20 ounces — as well as fountain sodas. Bloomberg said people who want to guzzle 32 ounces would still be free to order two drinks. But he said restricting sodas to 16 ounces could help curb consumption.
“You tend to eat all of the food in the container. If it’s bigger, you eat more. If somebody put a smaller glass or plate or bowl in front of you, you would eat less,” he said.The ban, which could take effect as soon as March, would not extend to drinks sold in grocery or convenience stores that don’t primarily sell foods meant to be eaten right away. Businesses that violate the rules would face fines of $200 per failed inspection.
The ban would apply only to sweetened drinks that contain more than 25 calories per 8 ounces. (A 12-ounce can of Coke contains about 140 calories.) It would not affect diet soda, and any drink that is at least half milk or milk substitute would be exempt, too.