Nanny State Alert: NYC Mayor Bloomberg is coming for your sugary drinks

When they banned smoking, you were silent because you don't smoke. When they took away your kids peanut butter sandwich you were silent because you thought is was the civic thing to do. Now they are coming for your sugary drinks. Soon, they will come for something you care about.

(NY1) — Mayor Michael Bloomberg is on the verge of taking serious aim at sugary drinks, as he wants to ban such beverages larger than 16 fluid ounces from nearly all dining establishments in the city.

The city’s proposed ban on sugary drinks would apply to service in nearly all restaurants, movie theaters and street food carts and it is part of a Health Department aim to reduce obesity.

The ban, which if approved would be the first of its kind in the nation, would take affect in March.
Diet sodas, fruit juices, dairy-based beverages like milkshakes and alcohol would be exempt from the ban and it would not affect sales in supermarkets or bodegas.

However, corner stores that are called “food service establishments” by the city and display Health Department letter grades on their food service will have to follow the ban.