The One Man Ban: Bloomberg defends soda ban, says state should do the same
As of March 12, customers in New York City will no longer be able to buy a soda larger than 16 ounces in a restaurant or a movie theater, as the ban on supersized, sugary drinks that Mayor Michael Bloomberg fought for, and was heavily criticized for, goes into effect.
At a press conference in Bay Ridge on Feb. 25, Bloomberg was asked by reporters about the new rule and about the criticism against it from restaurant owners and other business groups. “It’s hardly an imposition. We’re not banning anything,” he told reporters. The mayor pointed out that the ban is for restaurants, bars, and public arenas only and that a customer could still buy a large size soda in a grocery store or a supermarket.
But Bloomberg also said that he thinks New York State should impose a similar ban on large sugar-filled drinks in grocery stores and supermarkets, which are regulated by the state. “The state should do exactly the same thing in stores,” he said.