In an effort to keep everyone from swelling to the size of small dirigibles, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to ban 16-ounce sugary drinks from ever touching the lips of those who secretly pine for the calorie-rich beverages on a daily basis. Now, I’m sure you’re thinking, “If I can’t buy 16-ounces of soda at my favorite restaurant, I’ll just order countless refills until I’ve had my fair share”. I’m sure it’s only a matter of times before he attempts to ban refills, seconds, and leftovers, as well.
Bloomberg appears to be hellbent on saving New Yorkers from themselves, effectively banning smoking and any foods containing the nefarious villain known as trans-fat during his time spent as the city’s leader. He was also instrumental in getting restaurants to place calorie counts on their menus, which, honestly, I feel is a very good idea.
Although his intentions are in the right place, many seem to think that he’s taking the crusade one step too far. From where I’m sitting, this looks a sugary, carbonated version of prohibition. As soon as someone opens up a soda fountain speakeasy with finger-snappy hep cats wearing jazzy attire, I’ll be all over it with a Big Red firmly in hand.
One vocal opponent of Bloomberg’s scheme is the New York City Beverage Association, who recently called the mayor’s mission to eradicate 16-ounce beverages “zealous”, adding that “soda is not driving the obesity rates”.
Coca Cola isn’t too thrilled with the proposed ban, either, especially considering it may ultimately effect their bottom line. “The people of New York City are much smarter than the New York City Health Department believes,” the company said in a statement. “New Yorkers expect and deserve better than this. They can make their own choices about the beverages they purchase.”
It’s worth noting that the ban will not include diet sodas, fruit juices, dairy-based drinks, and alcoholic beverages, the latter of which probably causes more paunches, beer bellies, and health problems than anything you can currently consume in 16-ounce quantities. The next time Bloomberg wants to take things away from the citizens of New York City, maybe he should consider giving up something he enjoys, as well.