Suit Filed to Block NYC Large-Sized Drinks Ban

NEW YORK -- Soft drink makers, restaurateurs and other businesses and trade groups filed suit Friday to block New York City's move to ban the sale of large-sized sugary drinks in many eateries.

Last month,  the city Board of Health approved the unprecedented regulation that puts a 16-ounce limit on sugary drinks sold at city restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts. The limitation applies to both bottled and fountain drinks. Convenience stores, however, are among the few retailers exempt from the regulation. Also exempt are diet soda and other calorie-free drinks, or anything that has at least 50 percent milk or milk substitute.

The rule, championed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is set to take effect March 2013.

Beverage companies and retailers fear the New York City regulations could become a template for other cities dealing with obesity issues. The debate over the effectiveness and legality of such a ban is not likely to end soon.

X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds