New York City Soda Ban Controversy
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: June 4, 2012
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has created quite a stir about soda. If he has it his way, New York City will ban the sale of large- size sodas and other sugary drinks.
If approved, the ban will outlaw drinks larger than 16 ounces at restaurants, delis, movie theaters, and even food carts. Mayor Bloomberg says it's an effort to combat rising obesity rates, but most people think it's an effort to violate their basic freedoms.
"I think it takes away basic choice making, choice that you would make for you or family. I like to choose my own diet. I don't want some politician deciding it for me," says fast food customer Tim Laws.
And Tim Laws is not alone. Customers outside of area fast food restaurants all agree it's not just the soda causing obesity.
"If you're worried about obesity, buy your kids 8 ounce drinks. Don't allow your kids to get 16-20 ounce drinks. Don't get them that extra burger or don't get them that extra drink," says John Herringshaw.
Restaurant owner Tony Raffule says there's no way to control the people, and he's not going to try to in his restaurant, Patio Drive- In.
"We serve a 16- ounce glass, but if they do want a refill, we offer a refill. I don't really feel we should have another law. We can't control the people, they're gonna do what they want, and that's what this country is for," says Raffule.
But nutritionist Evelyn Mariani says there are 62% of overweight adults in Oneida County. Although sugary drinks aren't the only culprits behind weight gain, she says Mayor Bloomberg's proposal is bringing discussion and that's a good thing.
"If the choice isn't there, it's not going to be made. And when we consider that there's 11 teaspoons of sugar in one can of soda, picture twice this and if people can't picture themselves eating this much sugar, then they probably shouldn't be drinking it either," says Mariani.
Despite a scientific link between sugary drinks and weight gain, people don't like to be told what they can't do.
"It's just ridiculous what he's trying to do. It can't happen. The people will get what they want."
The New York City Department of Health will propose the ban to the Board of Health on June 12th. But you still have time for another big gulp. If approved, the proposal will take effect six months after the decision.
If approved, the ban will outlaw drinks larger than 16 ounces at restaurants, delis, movie theaters, and even food carts. Mayor Bloomberg says it's an effort to combat rising obesity rates, but most people think it's an effort to violate their basic freedoms.
"I think it takes away basic choice making, choice that you would make for you or family. I like to choose my own diet. I don't want some politician deciding it for me," says fast food customer Tim Laws.
And Tim Laws is not alone. Customers outside of area fast food restaurants all agree it's not just the soda causing obesity.
"If you're worried about obesity, buy your kids 8 ounce drinks. Don't allow your kids to get 16-20 ounce drinks. Don't get them that extra burger or don't get them that extra drink," says John Herringshaw.
Restaurant owner Tony Raffule says there's no way to control the people, and he's not going to try to in his restaurant, Patio Drive- In.
"We serve a 16- ounce glass, but if they do want a refill, we offer a refill. I don't really feel we should have another law. We can't control the people, they're gonna do what they want, and that's what this country is for," says Raffule.
But nutritionist Evelyn Mariani says there are 62% of overweight adults in Oneida County. Although sugary drinks aren't the only culprits behind weight gain, she says Mayor Bloomberg's proposal is bringing discussion and that's a good thing.
"If the choice isn't there, it's not going to be made. And when we consider that there's 11 teaspoons of sugar in one can of soda, picture twice this and if people can't picture themselves eating this much sugar, then they probably shouldn't be drinking it either," says Mariani.
Despite a scientific link between sugary drinks and weight gain, people don't like to be told what they can't do.
"It's just ridiculous what he's trying to do. It can't happen. The people will get what they want."
The New York City Department of Health will propose the ban to the Board of Health on June 12th. But you still have time for another big gulp. If approved, the proposal will take effect six months after the decision.
