Speak Out: Is a Soda Ban for Our Own Good?

The same New York mayor who has cracked down on smoking and trans fats is now proposing to outlaw the sale of large-size sugary drinks by restaurants, street vendors and movie theaters, The New York Times reported.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's aggressive campaign against obesity has led him to the city's soda fountains in what would be an unprecedented restriction on residents' ready access to soft drinks laden with sugar.

Bloomberg's proposal is likely to be approved and could take effect as early as March, the article said.

“New York City is not about wringing your hands; it’s about doing something,” Bloomberg was quoted as saying. “I think that’s what the public wants the mayor to do.”

The proposal would ban the sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 fluid ounces. Diet drinks, dairy drinks, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages would not be affected. Sugared drinks would still be sold in grocery stores.

Beverage industry officials have spoken out against the plan.

Let us know in our poll what you think about New York Mayor Bloomberg's proposed restriction on soft drink sales. Is this the beginning of a trend?