In an attempt to battle the rising obesity level, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing to ban the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, movie theaters, and streetcars throughout the city, according to an article in the New York Times.
The ban would affect the sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 fluid ounces and could take effect as soon as next March, according to the article.
Opponents of the proposal say city officials are unfairly singling out soda.
"The New York City health department's unhealthy obsession with attacking soft drinks is again pushing them over the top," stated Stefan Friedman, a spokesman for the New York City Beverage Association, in the story. "It's time for serious health professionals to move on and seek solutions that are going to actually curb obesity. These zealous proposals just distract from the hard work that needs to be done on this front."
