7-Eleven's Big Gulp Safe From NYC Soda Ban

ALBANY — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has taken a stand that favors the Big Gulp -- for now.

Earlier this week, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg called on the governor to extend the city's big soda ban -- on sugary beverages larger than 16 ounces -- to grocery stores, which include 7-Eleven stores that are regulated by the state.

"It is not something we are considering at this time," stated Cuomo, according to the New York Daily News. "Haven't really studied it."

While city restaurants and bodegas will have to comply with the soda ban, 7-Eleven stores sell enough groceries to escape this regulation by the city's Health Department.

As CSNews Online previously reported, the soda ban goes into effect on March 12, 180 days after it was voted into law.

Bloomberg asked the state Monday to adopt a similar law to regulate the sale of beverages inside supermarkets.

"Keep in mind, we're trying to save the lives of these kids," Bloomberg said, according to the news outlet. "The state should do exactly the same thing in stores."

The 16-ounce limit will not apply to diet sodas, drinks that contain at least 70-percent fruit juice, dairy drinks containing at least 50-percent milk, or alcoholic beverages.