NYC mayor proposes ban on oversized sodas

NEW YORK (WTOC) - New York City's mayor is proposing a ban on the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks in the hopes of combating obesity.

The ban, which would be a first of its kind, is part of the mayor's initiative to encourage healthy eating behavior.

The proposal would take 20 ounce soda bottles off the shelves in the city's delis, restaurants, and movie theatres. It would also get rid of supersized soft drinks served at fast food restaurants that have more than 25 calories per 8 ounces.

The ban would limit sugary drinks sold at food venues to only 16 ounces for both bottled drinks and fountain sodas.

Some people in Savannah agree with the initiative while others think it's the government overstepping its boundaries.

"People are already eating fatty foods. You can look at children and see how much bigger they have gotten because of the bad food they're eating and all of the soda," said Margaret Vessey.

"It's none of their business. What we do is none of the government's business so they need to lay off," said Pete Baden.

According to health studies, sugary drinks are the largest driver of obesity and has been linked to weight gain, heart disease and diabetes.

If the ban passes, it wouldn't apply to drinks sold in grocery or convenience stores that don't serve prepared food.

The ban could be passed by March 2013.

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