New York Soda Ban to go before State's top court

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            New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s attempt to limit the size of sugary drinks is set to be reviewed by the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals. This is the final chance to salvage a plan that has twice been rejected by judges as improper. The Court of Appeals is not planning to take up the case until next year, after Michael Bloomberg is out of office, which will leave the decision to pursue the case up to the next mayor.

            The democratic nominee for mayor, Bill de Blasio, has been a consistent and vocal endorser of the soda-size restrictions. Two months ago, Bill de Blasio stated in an interview, “A ban on large sugary drinks is an important part of any public health agenda.” The Republican nominee for mayor, Joseph J. Lhota said if elected, he would withdraw the city’s appeal, allowing the proposed regulations to die.

            The rules on sugary drinks were announced last year as an initiative of Michael Bloomberg’s health-oriented City Hall, and prompted worldwide debate about the link between sweet beverages and obesity. The plan was unpopular with New Yorkers and was attacked by the soft drink industry. The industry along with allies sued and successfully persuaded a state judge to throw out the plan on the grounds that it was an unlawful overreaching by the city’s Board of Health and a midlevel appellate court agreed.

            This initiative is a good idea, however; it isn’t educating the public. The idea is also restricting citizens’ choices, which could be why there is so much resistance from the public. While sugary drinks contribute to obesity, so do overeating, large portion sizes, and other factors. It might be a better idea to educate people and initiate change in individuals while still maintaining an individual’s choice.

Grynbaum, M. M. (2013, Oct. 17). New York soda ban to go before state’s top court. The New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/18/nyregion/new-york-soda-ban-to-go-before-states-top-court.html?_r=2&

-MG

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