New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg Proposes Ban on Large Sodas
PHOTO: Coca-Cola Co. beverages displayed on shelf in a grocery
store in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., on Feb.7, 2012.  New York City
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed a ban on large sugary
drinks in an effort to curb obesity. The plan would make it
illegal for food service establishments such as restaurants,
street vendors, sports venues and movie theaters to serve sugary
drinks larger than 16 ounces.  The ban would apply to both
bottled soda and fountain drinks containing more than 25
calories per eight ounces. It would not include alcohol, fruit
juices, diet soda or any beverage that is at least half milk.
Grocery stores and convenience stores would be exempt.
According to Bloomberg, New York City spends $4 billion a year
on health care for overweight residents, and sugary drinks are
the most significant factor in the increasing number of obese or
overweight New Yorkers.  "In New York City, smoking deaths are
down to 7,000 a year from something in