They Took A Vote, And The Soda Ban Is Going To Happen
In spite of vocal, expensive, and somewhat embarrassing protests from the soda industry — and the fact that the majority of New Yorkers think it’s a bad idea — the New York City Board of Health voted unanimously in favor of Bloomberg’s proposed ban on sodas larger than 16 ounces.
One of the most dramatic fat-fighting measures ever taken by the government, the ban will go into effect in six months, unless a judge decides to block it.
Bloomberg immediately victory-Tweeted, “NYC’s new sugary drink policy is the single biggest step any gov’t has taken to curb #obesity. It will help save lives.”
The soda-sponsored group New Yorkers for Beverage Choices isn’t taking the news lying down, though, and a spokesman said, “This is not the end. We are exploring legal options, and all other avenues available to us.”
The ban will not effect giant alcoholic beverages, mercifully, and will only be applied to restaurants, food carts, and movie theaters — ironically, convenience stores, and thus the Big Gulp, are exempt. So, if you’re still committed to maintaining your own #obesity, there’s hope.
Follow Virginia K. Smith on Twitter @vksmith.