N.Y. may put a lid on sugary drinks
Mayor Bloomberg proposes a ban on high-calorie beverages bigger than 16 ounces.
NEW YORK — As one New York institution — the Stock Exchange — prepared to celebrate National Doughnut Day on Friday with a mass giveaway of Krispy Kremes, another New York institution — Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg — told the city it was time to fight fat by giving up huge sugary drinks.
Not only is it time, it soon could be law, Bloomberg said Thursday as he announced a proposal to ban sugar-filled, calorie-laden soft drinks of more than 16 ounces from thousands of restaurants, delis, movie theaters, food carts, sports venues and other businesses that serve food and drink.
“The idea here is you tend to eat all the food in the container in front of you,” Bloomberg said in an interview on MSNBC, as he elaborated on an idea first disclosed in an interview Wednesday with the New York Times. “If it’s a bigger container, you eat more. If somebody put a smaller glass or plate or bowl in front of you, you would eat less.” Critics were outraged. “New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s micromanaging ‘nanny state’ strikes again,” said Bill Wilson, president of Americans for Limited Government. Comparing Bloomberg’s proposal to President Obama’s healthcare plan, the group called the New York plan “another example of the government overstepping its authority.”
Coca-Cola Co. said the proposed ban, which has to be approved by the Bloomberg-appointed Board of Health, was unnecessary because calories already were listed on its products.
“New Yorkers expect and deserve better than this,” it said in a statement. “They can make their own choices about the beverages they purchase. We hope New Yorkers loudly voice their disapproval about this arbitrary mandate.”
Lost amid the ruckus was the New York Stock Exchange’s announcement of events Friday to mark National Doughnut Day and Krispy Kreme’s 75th birthday, pointing up the challenge of combating obesity in a society where sweets are celebrated. Krispy Kreme President and Chief Executive Jim Morgan will ring the closing bell Friday as traders are treated to thousands of free doughnuts.
The proposed ban would not affect grocery stores, and diet drinks, fruit juices and most dairy-based drinks would be exempt.
“We’re not taking away anybody’s right to do things,” Bloomberg said. “We’re simply forcing you to understand you have to make the conscious decision to go from one cup to another cup.”