NYC proposes ban on large sodas at restaurants

[UnrepentantLiberal]

By Samantha Gross
Associated Press
May 31, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) — Want to super-size that soda? Sorry, but in New York City you could be out of luck.

In his latest effort to fight obesity in this era of Big Gulps and triple bacon cheeseburgers, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing an unprecedented ban on large servings of soda and other sugary drinks at restaurants, delis, sports arenas and movie theaters.

Drinks would be limited to 16 ounces, which is considered a small serving at many fast-food joints.

"The percentage of the population that is obese is skyrocketing," Bloomberg said Thursday on MSNBC. He added: "We've got to do something."

More: http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/NYC-proposes-ban-on-large-sodas-at-restaurants-3597470.php

[JVS]

1. But the big ones are the best for me to make my giant rum and cokes with!

Fuck that shit. I'll live elsewhere!

edited to add: Rum and diet coke, that is

[quinnox]

2. unbelievable, this is perfect fodder for the "nanny liberals" state type of political attack

So grown ups aren't capable of making their own decisions regarding their food choices, and need to be treated like a toddler.

[Enrique]

6. yes it should be interesting

the so-called small government conservatives who have no problem with Bloombergs stop and frisks, or his inviting the CIA to spy on people, will freak out over a Big Gulp ban.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

8. Bloomberg is a Republican.

[quinnox]

9. yes I know

but New York city is considered a very liberal city, which is the reason for my comment.

[demosincebirth]

16. He was. Now a Indie

[YellowRubberDuckie]

12. Only allowed by DU on food.

Everything else, everyone gets all up in arms about stuff like this.

[bjvom]

13. Nanny liberals

I am convinced a majority of "grown ups" do, indeed, need someone making their food choices for them, since they are apparently incapable of doing it for themselves. Just stand at the entrance to a WalMart, sometime. Watch the crowd going into Sonny's BBQ in all those "red" states.
[link:http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBa0sYrJfKMG8F9Ai-AuJCjc6fG061ddKwWgpTgDkf8RvnXUtc|

[erodriguez]

21. Mayor Moneybags is certainly no liberal

[HockeyMom]

3. They can still order 2 smaller sodas which

will equal the same amount of one big soda. Makes no sense at all. Personally, I rarely eat at fast food, and when I do, I ask for a cup of water. I don't drink soda and never have. They don't like that. Water is FREE.

[KurtNYC]

4. Obesity correlates most strongly with poverty and church attendance

I don't think Bloomberg will try to outlaw those 2 things.

I think this shows the way rich people think about the poor -- perhaps the only place they see peasants eating is McDonald's. They have no concept really of the fact that a large percentage of the population can not afford McDonald's, or as this bill addresses, a $12 per ticket movie.

Or perhaps they just don't want to see poor people with a lot of calories in their hand (?) in public.

[derby378]

5. A "Dinky Drink" law?

What else is Mayor Bloomberg gonna try to shove down Lady Liberty's piehole?

[bjvom]

7. Who cares?

I was amazed at the negative feedback this news item has received and the vitriol expressed for Mayor McBigBucks. For God's sake, people, grow up, shut up and think! These restaurants are not offering you some wonderful discount for you food budget; they're pandering to your lack of self control.
"Oh, boy, I can supersize that for only 50 cents?"
Why would anyone CHOOSE to carry around a 32oz. cauldron of soda if they didn't fool you into thinking it was an incredible bargain?
Big deal if Mayor Bloom-billionaire-burg proposes a law that just might help a few of you fat loads to slim down a bit and maybe live a day or three longer and healthier. All you creepazoids screaming "nanny state, nanny state" could probably benefit from a nanny. Besides, you elected the guy. He made no pretense as to how he would rule. He's a big egotistical bully business dictator type.........sort of like Donald Trump only without the malignant evil streak. Do you really think it's worth fighting for a right to buy a "Gargantu-Gulp" at the local McFatties or Obese-a-Hut? Pay attention. The entire foundation of our experimental democratic republic is compromise. If giving up your God-given right to poison yourself with an overdose of sugar and corrosive chemicals is too tough a compromise for you to make, there is little hope for us as a civilization.

[quinnox]

11. enjoy your stay at DU

I have a feeling it will be a brief one.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

19. Hmmm...

[Liberal_in_LA]

10. but Bloomberg is ok with 'stop and frisk' policies that target black and brown men

[SoutherDem]

14. I don't live in NYC

And I don't see the "big gulp" disappearing from my area. Plus, I heard diet doesn't count, which is what I drink, so I would still be fine.

But, I would just order 2 or 3 drinks or get a cup of ice and purchase can drinks.

Considering the amount of ice many places put in the cup, the extra large cup only gives you about 12 oz of soda.

[Taverner]

15. That won't work

Trust me, these kinds of backdoor "sin taxes" never work.

As a revenue motivator and as a motivation for people to stop.

If you want to fight obesity, write off the current adult generations, and teach the kids to make healthier choices.

This attitude killed smoking in California, and paved the way for vegan and vegetarian college students.

[demosincebirth]

17. Five hours a day or more playing video games plus 400+ TV channels does more

harm to a kid's health than the food they eat and drink.

[ladjf]

18. Cuts down on the amount of more expensive food ordered. That might be the real reason for

the ban.

[HiPointDem]

20. republicans' support for the "free market" is very selective. just another example.