New York City Plans Broad Soda Ban

In an effort to combat rising obesity, New York City plans to ban the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants and entertainment venues, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Wednesday. A policy first, the ban would prohibit vendors from selling sweetened drinks larger than 16 fluid ounces, but wouldn’t include diet sodas, fruit juices, dairy-based drinks, or alcoholic beverages. Food service establishments, movie theaters, street carts, and sports venues would all be subject to the new policy, which could take effect as soon as March of next year. Grocery stores would not have to abide by the ban. The city’s health commissioner, Dr. Thomas Farley, said sweetened drinks, particularly sodas, have increased obesity rates in the city over the last 30 years.

Read more at The New York Times