Mayor Goes After Big Sugary Drinks

A task force created by Mayor Michael Bloomberg is recommending a ban on the sale of large-sized sugary drinks at food establishments in the city in an effort to combat the obesity epidemic.

Dr. Thomas Farley, commissioner of the city's Health Department, speaks at a briefing on a new proposal by the mayor's Obesity Task Force to ban the sale of large-sized sugary drinks at restaurants in New York City. Christian Watjen/The Epoch Times

NEW YORK—A task force created by Mayor Michael Bloomberg is recommending a ban on the sale of large-sized sugary drinks at food establishments in the city. This is an effort to combat the obesity epidemic, according to a City Hall briefing Thursday. If the city’s Board of Health approves the ban, it would be the first of its kind in the nation.

The proposal suggests that the maximum size for sugary drinks be 16 ounces.

“The industry is very smart. … They can figure out how to go back to 16 ounces,” said Howard Wolfson, deputy mayor for government affairs and communications. “If they do that, we can save lives.”

The new rule would apply to packaged products as well cups served in restaurants. Sugary drinks are all drinks with more than 25 calories per 8 ounces. A customer who wants more than 16 ounces would have to purchase more than one drink.