Massachusetts Mayor Proposes NYC-Modeled Soda Ban

BOSTON -- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg may have inspired other city leaders with his proposal to ban the sale of large-sized servings of soda and other sugary drinks. Henrietta Davis, mayor of Cambridge, Mass., proposed a similar ban during a June 18 city council meeting, reports the Boston Globe.

Davis stated that she brought forth the proposal due to the health risks of drinking too much soda. "In addition to being an obesity threat, soda is one of the contributing factors to an increasing rate in diabetes and heart disease amongst younger people," she said.

Bloomberg's proposal would limit the size of sugary drinks sold at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts to 16 ounces or less. It would not apply to diet sodas, beverages containing at least 70 percent juice, or beverages containing 50 percent milk or milk substitute.

"In addition to being an obesity threat, soda is one of the contributing factors to an increasing rate in diabetes and heart disease amongst younger people," Davis said.

Davis also stated that she would like to see what recommendations the Cambridge Public Health Department would make regarding the limitation of beverage serving sizes in local restaurants, according to the report.

City Councilor Minka vanBeuzekom supported the proposal due to health concerns. "It's a very good thing to try and pursue, and in my opinion to ban, but it won't be easy," she said.

However, City Councilor Leland Cheung expressed surprise at the idea due to the backlash against Bloomberg's NYC proposal. "Before launching ourselves into the middle of another maelstrom, I would want to see how that sorted itself out in New York," said Cheung.

The council voted to refer Davis' proposal to the health subcommittee for exploration.

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