In an effort to curtail obesity – what is considered by many to be a growing epidemic in the United States – New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed a bill that would effectively prohibit the sale of large and sugary drinks from most retailers and vendors within the country’s largest city.
“Obesity is a nationwide problem, and all over the United States, public health officials are wringing their hands saying, ‘Oh, this is terrible,'” said Bloomberg in an interview with the New York Times.
Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal would outlaw the sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink that is larger than 16 fluid ounces. The facilities and establishments that would be affected by this new plan are the ones under control of the city’s Health Department such as restaurants, movie theaters, street carts, delis and ballpark concession stands. Vending machines and newsstands would not be affected by the ruling, if it becomes approved.
Although the ban would not apply to any drinks with fewer than 25 calories per 8-ounce serving, fast-food chains or any other restaurant that distributes soda at self-serve fountains would be required to hand out cups that are not larger than 16 ounces – regardless of the sugar content of what the customer may be putting into it. Free refills, though, are allowed.
Furthermore, the ban is not applied to fruit juices, dairy-based drinks such as milkshakes, or alcoholic beverages. Also, the law would not extend to beverages that are sold in grocery stores or convenience stores.
Smaller retailers or manufacturers of soft drinks that wish to promote the sugar servings or any other natural ingredients they may use in their products should consider the use of a custom label printer that is capable of producing high quality, color labels that portray these healthy characteristics as alternatives.