The New York City Health Board's approval of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg controversial high-calorie beverage ban proposal garnered widespread coverage, including two major television networks. Most of the media sources noted industry groups' opposition; and many new outlets also focused on the potentiality of such measures to combat the nation's obesity epidemic.
NBC Nightly News (9/13, story 10, 0:40, Williams) reported, "Well, drink up while you can, New Yorkers, drink those large beverages free of government intervention while there is still time because today the city Board of Health in New York approved the first soft drink ban of its kind in the nation." ABC World News (9/13, story 9, 1:00, Sawyer), showing a clip of Jon Stewart saying on The Daily Show, "All of this is legal in New York city. Until, God forbid, I want to wash it down with a little something," asked, "Remember how they mocked and laughed when New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed to ban the sale of supersized sugary sodas in New York? Well, today, the mayor got the last laugh."
The AP 
(9/14, Caruso, Peltz) reports that the New York City Board of Health on Thursday passed a "rule banning sales of big sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, concession stands, and other eateries." The measure, which was proposed in May by Mayor Bloomberg and "approved by panel of health experts after several months of review, puts a 16-ounce size limit on cups and bottles of non-diet soda, sweetened teas, and other calorie-packed beverages."
(9/14, Caruso, Peltz) reports that the New York City Board of Health on Thursday passed a "rule banning sales of big sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, concession stands, and other eateries." The measure, which was proposed in May by Mayor Bloomberg and "approved by panel of health experts after several months of review, puts a 16-ounce size limit on cups and bottles of non-diet soda, sweetened teas, and other calorie-packed beverages."
The New York Times (9/14, A24, Grynbaum, Subscription Publication) says the measure is scheduled to "take effect on March 12," only applies to "establishments that receive inspection grades from the health department, including movie theaters and stadium concession stands." But the ban exempts "convenience stores, including 7-Eleven and its king-size Big Gulp drinks" as well as "vending machines and some newsstands." Moreover, the rules do not apply to 100% "fruit juices, dairy-based drinks like milkshakes, or alcoholic beverages"; and zero-calorie diet sodas "would not be affected, but establishments with self-service drink fountains, like many fast-food restaurants, would not be allowed to stock cups larger than 16 ounces."
(9/14, A24, Grynbaum, Subscription Publication) says the measure is scheduled to "take effect on March 12," only applies to "establishments that receive inspection grades from the health department, including movie theaters and stadium concession stands." But the ban exempts "convenience stores, including 7-Eleven and its king-size Big Gulp drinks" as well as "vending machines and some newsstands." Moreover, the rules do not apply to 100% "fruit juices, dairy-based drinks like milkshakes, or alcoholic beverages"; and zero-calorie diet sodas "would not be affected, but establishments with self-service drink fountains, like many fast-food restaurants, would not be allowed to stock cups larger than 16 ounces."
The New York Daily News (9/14, Moore) says the measure exempts establishments such as convenience stores and newsstand operations because they "derive less than 50% of their revenue from prepared foods - making them by law regulated by the state."
(9/14, Moore) says the measure exempts establishments such as convenience stores and newsstand operations because they "derive less than 50% of their revenue from prepared foods - making them by law regulated by the state."
The Wall Street Journal (9/14, A15, Saul, Subscription Publication) adds the if the ban does go into effect in March, violators will incur $200 fines, which the city said it would begin issuing around the middle of June.
(9/14, A15, Saul, Subscription Publication) adds the if the ban does go into effect in March, violators will incur $200 fines, which the city said it would begin issuing around the middle of June.
Industry Vows To Prevent Measure From Going Into Effect. The Wall Street Journal (9/14, Saul) in its "Metropolis" blog says, New York City Health Board Chair Dr. Thomas Farley called the unanimous vote (8 to 0) "historic." But anti-soda ban groups are already vowing to prevent the measure from going into effect.
(9/14, Saul) in its "Metropolis" blog says, New York City Health Board Chair Dr. Thomas Farley called the unanimous vote (8 to 0) "historic." But anti-soda ban groups are already vowing to prevent the measure from going into effect.
According to USA Today (9/14, Petrecca), the "hundreds of soft drink makers and sellers, trade groups and community organizations" in New York have "banded together to fight the ban, forming the New Yorkers for Beverage Choices coalition." That group, which includes "companies and associations such as Coca-Cola and the National Association of Theatre Owners, as well as small mom-and-pop food sellers," is being funding by "the American Beverage Association."
(9/14, Petrecca), the "hundreds of soft drink makers and sellers, trade groups and community organizations" in New York have "banded together to fight the ban, forming the New Yorkers for Beverage Choices coalition." That group, which includes "companies and associations such as Coca-Cola and the National Association of Theatre Owners, as well as small mom-and-pop food sellers," is being funding by "the American Beverage Association."
Ban Draws Attention To Growing Obesity Rates. The Los Angeles Times (9/14, Susman) notes that the pending ban has put the spotlight on the obesity epidemic. Although eight board members "voted yes," and none opposed, "one board member, Sixto R. Caro, a doctor, abstained after saying he remained 'skeptical' about how much good the rule would do to curb obesity." In public comments prior to the "board's vote, critics accused the city of failing to spend money to ensure children in poor, urban areas most affected by diabetes and other weight-related issues have after-school recreation programs or parks in which to exercise." Opponents also said the measure would "add to New York's image as a 'nanny' state where the mayor has imposed several health-related changes that have changed the face and ways of America's largest city."
(9/14, Susman) notes that the pending ban has put the spotlight on the obesity epidemic. Although eight board members "voted yes," and none opposed, "one board member, Sixto R. Caro, a doctor, abstained after saying he remained 'skeptical' about how much good the rule would do to curb obesity." In public comments prior to the "board's vote, critics accused the city of failing to spend money to ensure children in poor, urban areas most affected by diabetes and other weight-related issues have after-school recreation programs or parks in which to exercise." Opponents also said the measure would "add to New York's image as a 'nanny' state where the mayor has imposed several health-related changes that have changed the face and ways of America's largest city."
David Lazarus, in his biweekly column in the Los Angeles Times (9/14), asks, "Is this a nanny-state solution to the obesity problem? Yep. But personal responsibility doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere." He notes that according to the WHO, there are an "estimated 1.46 billion overweight adults worldwide, and 502 million of them are considered obese." And in the US, researchers say more than 50 percent of the nation's "adults will be obese by 2030," setting the stage for "surge in heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses."
(9/14), asks, "Is this a nanny-state solution to the obesity problem? Yep. But personal responsibility doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere." He notes that according to the WHO, there are an "estimated 1.46 billion overweight adults worldwide, and 502 million of them are considered obese." And in the US, researchers say more than 50 percent of the nation's "adults will be obese by 2030," setting the stage for "surge in heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses."
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