NY mayor proposes drink size limit - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

NY mayor proposes drink size limit

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JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing a ban on all sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces.

The proposed first-in-the-nation ban would impose a 16-ounce limit on the size of sweetened drinks sold at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts. It would apply to bottled drinks as well as fountain sodas.

Mayor Bloomberg is quoted in the New York Times saying "obesity is a nationwide problem. New York city is acting."

The proposal requires the approval of the city's Board of Health, which is considered likely because the members are all appointed by Bloomberg - no other authorization is required.

The ban could take effect as soon as march. Food establishments that do not downsize would face fines of $200.

In 2010 Bloomberg proposed that food stamps be prevented from being used for sugary drinks. That request was denied by the federal government.

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