No, you can’t supersize that; reaction to NYC plan mixed
Proposal would put 16-ounce limit on sugary drinks sold at eateries, theaters, sports venues. Some praise move, others cry “Nanny State.”
NEW YORK — Waistline savior or soda jerk? Reactions to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to ban large-size sugary beverages were mixed Thursday as details poured out.
The measure places a 16-ounce cap on bottled drinks and fountain beverages sold at New York City restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts. It affects drinks that have more than 25 calories per 8 ounces.
The proposal is the first time a U.S. city has so directly attempted to limit sugary-drink portions. It would not apply to 100% juice or beverages with more than 50% milk or milk substitute.
Soft drink companies and restaurants will “go ballistic,” said Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. “It interferes with their basic business model, which is to sell as much as they can of their highest-profit-margin items.”
Coca-Cola issued a statement: “New Yorkers expect and deserve better than this. They can make their own choices.”
A McDonald’s statement said “public health issues cannot be effectively addressed through a narrowly focused and misguided ban.”
And even though Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. owner CKE Restaurants doesn’t have outlets in New York City, CEO Andrew Puzder weighed in: “New York used to be the Mecca for economic freedom and individual liberty, but every time it passes these Nanny State regulations, it betrays that heritage.”
“It promises to be the most effective way to reduce consumption of a product that causes obesity,” said Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
“I think it’s good,” said New Yorker Melissa Friedman, 28, who said she appreciates Bloomberg’s many health-focused endeavors, which include barring smoking in public parks, forcing chain restaurants to put calorie information on menus and banning trans fats in restaurant foods.
Samantha Hershkowitz, 21, saw the good intentions but wondered what such bans might lead to. “What’s the next step?” she says. “Are you going to ban candy in movie theaters?”