In an effort to slim New York City's waistline, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing a ban on the sales of large-size sugary beverages by restaurants, movie theaters, sports arenas, and food carts.
The ban would affect drinks sold in containers larger than 16 ounces, but would not disturb the sale of diet soda or dairy-based drinks.
There are some mixed reactions from New Yorkers.
"A 20 ounce soda contains the same amount of sugar as 14 packets. This is quite a bit of sugar to add to you drink," said Registered Dietitian Jodi Zelman.
Zelman says soda has an enormous impact on obesity, especially when people drink soda or high sugary drinks daily, instead of water or milk.
"Sugary drinks provide, of course, sugar with no other nutritional value," said Zelman.
When asked whether she thinks the ban is a good idea, Zelman said people should make healthier choices.
"The more people drink sodas, the higher links we see to obesity especially in children and young adults. The problem you run into is, it something the government should say or is it something where you make your own choice? I agree people should be making better choices," said Zelman.
This is one issue that won't go do without a fight, especially in the biggest city in America.
The proposed ban on sugary drinks has to have the approval of the city's Board of Health. It will submitted to the board on June 12.
The mayor's plan would levy a $200 fine on any establishment that doesn't downsize its beverages.
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