This is a bit much if you ask me. While I do agree that the sizes of some of these soft drinks at fast food restaurants and movie theaters are disgustingly large, I don't think it's local government's right to tell people what they can and cannot consume. And, quite frankly, I can't understand why Mayor Bloomberg insists on pushing such invasive bills. I can't imagine his only motive is to improve the health of New Yorkers. Call me cynical, but I just don't buy it...or dare I say, I'm not drinking the 32 oz. Kool-Aid the Mayor's pouring out.

Mayor Bloomberg banned trans fats, forced restaurants to post calorie counts, and outlawed smoking in bars, restaurants, parks and beaches… did you really think he’d stop there? City officials formally announced a proposal today to ban large sodas and other sugary drinks from food service establishments, like restaurants, delis, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts.

The proposal would apply only to drinks more than 16 ounces, and to sweetened options, not to diet soda or any calorie-free drink. It’s the latest effort from the Bloomberg administration that has some New Yorkers arguing City government is overstepping its boundaries, trying to regulate matters that should be left up to the consumers. If the Mayor’s appointees on the City’s Board of Health approve the proposal, which they likely will, the ban could take effect as soon as March.

The spokesman for the New York City Beverage Association released a statement accusing the City Health Department of having an “unhealthy obsession with attacking soft drinks.” The group said, “The city is not going to address the obesity issue by attacking soda because soda is not driving the obesity rates.” But City Hall officials argue sugary drinks are the largest driver of rising calorie consumption and obesity. What do you say?

Do you support the Mayor’s proposal to ban large sugary drinks? Will banning these beverages help combat the obesity epidemic? Should city government be trying to control what people consume?

Send your thoughts to the e-mail link above.

Mayor Bloomberg's ban on sodas larger than 16 oz. is only going to make our wallets skinnier as those wishing for more than a 16 oz. gulp will simply have to buy their refills.

It's another way for the city to squeeze money out of us under the guise of caring about our health.

Robin
in The Village

I'm against the idea.

Woojiewoo

Who does our Nanny Mayor thinks he is that he feels he has the power to tell us what to drink and eat? He does not have the right to order us to do anything since he was illegally elected by eliminating the term limits voted on twice by us. All the obese people I know drink 8 oz. diet drinks. Those of us who drink regular drinks of any size do not have a weight problem. I do not.

I think the State Attorney General should look for a way to remove him and his nutty transit commissioner from office.

Andres

Although it seems like a good idea given the obesity problem in our society, this ban like all bans which impinge upon consumer rights and sentiments will likely fail.

Felix Bay Ridge

Well then the streets of Manhattan will soon become a lot less congested with the lack of tourists flocking to our City when their basic civil rights are being ripped from them one after another, not to mention the vendors who'll lose the income of selling a simple soda on the street corner. Where will this MADNESS end the privacy of the matrimonial bedroom?

Terry
Howard Beach, Queens

This guy is a bad joke, and the punchline is on us. Isn't this the same Mayor who doesn't want government to get involved in a businesses right not to pay people a living wage, now he wants to dictate what they sell? I'm not even a big soda drinker, but if I want to drink a big watered down soda on a hot day I am grown man and have the right to do so. Does he care as much about the people who face hunger due to not being to afford food, or those who don't have health care and may die from just not having medical care? Good luck with this Mike, this isn't like the City Council who you have in your pocket, the chain restaurants and movie theaters aren't going to roll over and die in this matter. The funny thing is that in is infinite wisdom Mike is missing the fact that to spite him these places can just give out free refills.

RL
The Bronx

This just makes me hate him more!!! Who the hell does he think he is, telling me what size drink I can or cannot have?? how would he like it if i told him he can't have sex in that particular position coz it might be bad for his back/health!!?? why doesn't he do something useful like fix the homeless problem or affordable housing or something? He makes me miss Rudy!!

Sue
Manhattan

The government has no right to regulate what we inhale, imbibe, ingest or shoot up. All of Bloomberg’s bans are unconstitutional and acts of fascism.

Fascism is a system of government under which property is ostensibly privately owned, but the use of which is regulated by the government. Bloomberg is a fascist as are many others in his administration..

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

The Mayor’s current proposal, while appropriate for informing a public that for the most part may or may not be healthy in terms of their eating/drinking habits brings controversy to the table. The question is how much power does government have when it comes to a citizen’s eating and drinking habits? If we see a person drinking several or even one alcoholic beverage then proceeds to get into their car, is it not our responsibility to stop that person?

My problem with the current proposal is that the Mayor should have first researched the fallout effect of asking or even imposing such a ban when he and his administration should have realized that such a proposal would have a ‘chilling effect’ on many vendors across many venues when it comes to what is called “sugary drinks.” More than half of these same vendors helped re-elect him.

It is true that many people, not only New Yorkers need to improve their daily intakes, but this method will only create division with who really need to take appropriate steps to improve their health by eating and drinking in the right manner. The current knee-jerk reaction of ‘have you lost your !@#$#%%^ mind is understandable. But when you consider the medical problems currently facing many young people as well as middle aged people, and the expenses required to help them, the situation is daunting, at best.

Healthcare agencies, both local and state should be addressing this issue, not the Mayor of New York. There is an old saying: you can lead a horse to the well but you cannot make it drink it. The same rule applies to some people. No matter how much you tell them that something is not good for them, they persist until a doctor has to tell them stop or die. I commend the Mayor for the “idea” but the people around him who are suppose to be his advisors should have told him to approach this from another angle. Forget the fact that this his last term. As a mayor, you want to leave on a good note-not antagonistic, not divisive but on a note that brings everyone together at the table- the people, the vendors, the health officials to hopefully arrive at a conclusion or compromise that works for everyone. What the Mayor is currently proposing may destroy business. If you look at tourism as one example, how many tourists drink anything?

Lee
Astoria, New York

I'm all for full disclosure of fast food content and the banning of harmful food additives like trans-fats, but this proposal makes little or no sense. I mean, can't we still get free refills at the self-serve or add tons of sugar to our coffee and tea? And the adipogenic qualities of Pepsi pale in comparison to the WMD-like fat content of Big Macs and Whoppers. And what about milk shakes, which are usually larger than 16 ounces? I don't know if downsizing Slurpees will have a significant impact on obesity, but selling more 16oz. drinks will definitely be a profitable boondoggle for the merchants of death who serve us the sodium-laden burgers and fries that we buy these beverages to wash down.

But, then, government, usually the FDA, has had control over food safety for years, and protecting public health has always been both a Federal and local responsibility. And mandatory food labeling and restricting harmful food additives are legitimate government powers. But micro-managing portion sizes, or restricting the sale of otherwise legitimate food products because some people might abuse them to their own detriment, does go too far. I think the litmus test should be the degree to which the rights of individuals are being violated, balanced against any supposed public benefit.

People do have a right to know what's in their food, so label it. And if some ingredients pose a public health risk, ban the ones that are poisons with no redeeming culinary value, set limits for the ones, like salt, that customers can add themselves to their own personal taste, and require food merchants to offer safer alternatives to health conscious customers and those with food related medical problems like hypertension and diabetes.

These days, banning smoking in places frequented by non-smokers is a no-brainer, but people still smarting from what they saw as an incursion on their right to pollute are naturally upset about what they see as the Mayor's numerous assaults on the right to eat, each of which should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis because, with some otherwise well-intentioned regulatory proposals, the end doesn't always justify the means.

BIG ANDY
Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn

No I don't believe it's the city's right or responsibility to control what people consume. Healthier foods should be more affordable so that average people who don't make a lot of money can have an option to eat healthier, people choose unhealthy foods because they are cheaper and come in large quantities.

Kevin, Canarsie Brooklyn

Bloomberg is a meglamaniaical little twerp who treats New York City as his personal fiefedom where he can micromanage peoples' lives and pander to his corporate cronies. He has destroyed this once-great city by giving away chunks of it to his cronies and destroying so many small business and unique neighborhoods, depriving us of hospitals whilst wasting money on bike lanes, and now he wants to dictate what we eat and drink and how much of it he is going to allow us to consume of what he permits. Go away, Bloomberg! Please go away for ever!

Frances
East Village

the mayor needs to put his mind on something like bullying not sugar consumption maybe Mayor Bloomberg just ban himself from New York City

Eri

Only when 30pct of adults+ten pct of american children R CLINICALLY obese, doomed to a preventable premature death, not b4 costing taxpayers Billions for care+treatment! Signed a formerly unhappy,unhealthy fatso(yes,fatso is factual not judgemental).

TVCoach

The Mayor is a person who would be King.

It would be nice if we could stop the epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes.

After the size of a soda drink is regulated; sugar in soda drinks will be banned.

What about alcohol and drunk driving related fatalities? Prohibition, here we come again.

What about people who have compulsive gambling problems? Eliminate OTB, statewide.

Outlaw the manufacture of cigarettes.

There will always be cigarettes, legal gambling,and liquor sales.

Simply because all the levels of government can get their slimy hands on the taxes.

"Follow the Money". Never more true than now.

Rolf, Flushing, Queens

I see no reason why the government should be controlling the health of anyone. It's not their responsibility. When we were young it was our parents responsibility to watch our eating habits. After that we are responsible for our own health. No one will go up to the mayor and tell him he saved our lives because people will find a way to eat and drink sweets. You will just have more people trying to sneak in drinks from outside source. Why not try to make people aware of why they should not be eating all these sweets? Another way to make people eating healthier is by dropping the cost of healthy food. Trying to eat healthy is very expensive.

Stephanie

I HAVE SEEN SODA BEING MARKETED INTO SMALLER PORTION CANS. I AM SURE THAT COMES WITH AN INEQUITY IN PRICE. SMALLER MEANS MORE COST, MEANS MORE PROFIT.

I WONDER HOW MUCH OF BLOOMBERG'S VAST PORTFOLIO PLAYS AGAINST EACH OTHER TO MAKE A PROFIT, INGENIOUS.

JOE, BAY TERRACE

As a reformed soda addict I can understand the issue of super sized drinks and obesity but this is an over reach. When do grown people in a free democratic nation get the chance to exert their right of free will? I know the risks and if I feel like a super size drink a few times a year that's my business and not Bloomberg's. If this happens where will it end?

Teri
Jackson Heights

Did I hear it correctly ??

Did the sanctimonious Deputy Mayor on "Inside City Hall" really believe that the collective Bloomberg health initiatives since he took office have increased our life expectancies by 2 years?

Over eons of time, the life expectancy has gradually increased for both men and women for sure, but I really believe someone at City Hall has been creating headlines to support their nanny culture efforts.

We as a species have been seeing changes in life expectancy take place and rise well enough, but these changes happen at a snail's pace - all due to significant changes in modern living in general.

Are we to think that Mayor Bloomberg gave each of us another 2 years of life ?

Don't be fooled. It doesn't happen that quickly. Remember, Politicians have an agenda.
(elected or appointed).

Jack T
Bklyn Heights

I agreed with the smoking bans and the other food issues, but I think this is going to far. It's fine to require that the consumer is given dietary information, but beyond that it's none of his business how much sofa a person chooses to drink!

Barri
Jackson Heights

Michael Bloomberg has made it a habit of bullying people, he wants to band soda to fight obesity, how about making healthier foods affordable? you can buy a burger and fries for $5 or $6 dollars but try to buy a salad you pay $8-$12 dollars. Go to the supermarket to shop, find all the unhealthy foods right at the front or on special yet look for healthier choices you have too look towards the back and it's always super expensive. Michael Bloomberg needs to be investigated, he wants to make soda smaller to charge more but it's all a ploy to make more money for less. They should look into how he has made his billions cause it's obvious he's willing to brake laws to get his way and make life easier for himself.

Sammy from Williamsbug

The ban is a necessary step towards the decline of obesity and diabetes in both adults and children. No one takes their health important anymore, it's all about the good feeling and comfort of a sugar high instead of the after math the consumption on sugar has on our bodies.

Kadiffa
Richmond Hill, Queens Ny

I think we are on a very slippery slope with this insidiously dictatorial Mayor and his urge to control others. He flouts serious laws himself, such as overturning term limits (which the people voted for twice), using the heliport when it is closed and therefore bombarding citizens with noise and pollution and doing many other things in a totalitarian manner. When we let him tell us what we can eat and drink and how much of it, then we may as well just face the fact that we have given away our freedom to a tinpot dictator. I honestly think that Bloomberg should get psychological help, but of course he wont because he thinks he is right come what may.

Frances
East Village

This mayor needs to mind his own damn business and leave us alone.

He loves to torture us poor folk. People have their tongues hanging out for food and he is so miserable to keep these ridiculous antics up.

We know we are poor and getting poorer day by day living here.

IMAGINE, JUST IMAGINE IF THIS JACK ASS WAS TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT.

What the hell does he buy for his mansions, etc. I’m just curious to know since I see him as don’t do as I do but do as I say.

No one is listening to him or any of his cronies and just do us all a favor and leave. ALL OF YOU, AT ONCE PLEASE OBLIGE US.

SHAME ON YOU THAT DON’T HAVE A BACK BONE TO STOP ALL OF THIS.

EXAMPLE: LOOK AT HOW HE PUSHED SNAPPLE ON ALL OF US TRYING TO SELL US THE IDEA THAT IT IS BETTER FOR US TO DRINK BECAUSE IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE A NATURAL AND MEANWHILE THIS COMPANY IS OWNED BY A CRONY OF HIS. SO THEY GOT THE CONTRACT WITH THE CITY.

HOW ABOUT IT IF CITY HALL POSTS ON THE NET THEIR RECEIPTS FOR LUNCHES THAT THEY SERVE AT MEETINGS. I’LL BET ANYONE ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT THEY HAVE SODA AND ALL KINDS OF FATTENING FOODS AND GOODIES TO GO ALONG WITH THAT LUNCH WHICH IS PROBABLY A FREE BEE TO BEGIN WITH. [ENJOY EVERYONE = LUNCH IS ON US AS USUAL]

WHAT HAPPENED TO FIXING THE POT HOLES AND FINALLY GETTING RID OF THE BED BUGS.

THE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS MAYOR IS ALL FOR SHOW. EVERYTHING ON TOP LOOKS GOOD AND CLEAN AND VERY INVITING TO HIS TOURISTS. BUT UNDERNEATH IT ALL WE HAVE THE OUTER BOROUGHS THAT ARE COMPLETELY IGNORED AND MAYBE ONCE IN A WHILE THEY THROW US BONE TO GET SOME VOTES AND THEN AS THE SAYING GOES = YOU GIVE WITH ONE HAND AND TAKE AWAY WITH THE OTHER.

WHAT WILL THIS MAYOR THINK OF NEXT? HE HAS NO LEGACY AND NEVER WILL SO
HE SHOULD STOP TRYING.

WE NEED TO FIZZ HIM OUT = AND DO NOT I SAY DO NOT DELETE ANY OF THIS E-MAIL
BECAUSE I DON’T THINK YOU ALL WANT TO HEAR ME ON A PHONE CALL.

MY MOM AND DAD WHERE THE ONLY TWO PEOPLE IN THIS WHOLE WIDE WORLD
THAT COULD TELL ME WHAT TO DO AND THEY HAD A SPECIAL WAY ABOUT THEM
WHEN THEY DID SO.

maxxiee
mp

While I know large sugary sodas are not healthy for kids and adults, I really wish the city could spend a bit more time and effort on legislation that would make it cheaper to eat healthier. Why not focus on making it easier/less expensive for people to get healthy food and or organic products? Also if New Yorkers had better tap water they might drink less soda. Why is it that most organic foods that are supposed to be better for people are usually about 30% more than non organic items work on some legislation to help reduce the costs of these items.

John

Bravo to Mayor Bloomberg for having had the courage to bring this issue to the forefront. Even if this ban does not last, it will have made a strong point and maybe even left some people better informed.

Those who complain about it are avoiding the fact that these oversized portions lead to obesity,illness and of course doctor visits. The medical bills of those who overindulge are often paid by us, the NYC tax payers. And it's not like a 16 oz. soda is a dainty portion.

Bridget
UWS

Poverty is driving the obesity rates, sugary drinks are a symptom not the cause. Healthy food and drinks (other than water) cost boku bucks. loaf of white bread, $1. loaf of whole wheat or grain bread, $4.50. cost of large bottle of soda, 99c. cost of large organge juice $3.99. fresh fruits and vegetables, very expensive. what is a family with kids who eat lots of sandwiches to do? Yet king bloomberg continues to cut programs that help the poor and working class of the city, points the finger at various targets like sugary drinks, and diverts attention from the real problem – the cost of living a healthy life continues to rise in NYC and working families are going to food pantries in record numbers. What kind of food do you think food pantries have? I’m sure that they don’t have $5 loaves of bread.

meryl from manhattan

Bloomberg's creating pollution & strengthening our dependance on foreign oil. If you have to buy two bottles instead of one that's more oil to make the plastic & more waste in the landfill.

Jeremy
Forest Hills

The Mayor's proposed ban doesn't go far enough!

At my local supermarket I watched a woman purchase 15 liters of Pepsi with Food Stamps!

First, the Pepsi is subsidized by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. It is then purchased by the U.S. government (Food Stamps). The disease it creates is then treated around the corner at the Health Clinic, also at U.S. government expense (Medicaid). The drugs for that treatment are paid for by the U.S. government to the pharmacy right next door to the Health Clinic (also Medicaid) enriching the pharmaceutical companies. The side effects from the drugs can require more treatment, more drugs and quite possibly more Pepsi.

Huge profits for a select few while tax payers cover the costs! The obese are not the only victims.

A more sick system I could not conceive of.

Bobby G
East Village

If "Mayor Mike" truly wants to legislate health in this city...I Suggest "Mayor Mike" Spend a typical work -day of 8 Hours.. Breathing in the toxic fumes on Broadway Between 178th- and 179th in Washington Heights. He will hop his Private Jet to Bermuda to clear his lungs after that!...It is Time to Send Mr. Bloomberg BACK TO BOSTON!

DMD in Wash Hgts.

When Government starts setting rules which involve our personal rights, it becomes a slippery slope. It started with the seatbelt law, moved to smoking and now soft drinks. What is next chewing gum?

Ed
Midtown

I don't agree with the ban. People will just purchase more than one and it would cost them more money. Some people purchase large drinks and share them with their family instead of buying a drink for each person which gets expensive.

Debbie from Whitestone

What's next - closing bakeries?!

Ellen

It's a good idea, and supported by behavioral economics research. If you make healthier choices easier, and poor decisions harder, people will make healthier choices. The long-term effects of the over-consumption of sugar costs taxpayers more than alcohol and illegal drugs, and the government already regulates or bans those, why not sugar?

Frank, Sunset Park, Brooklyn

I do think this is a very aggressive attempt by the Mayor, but I also thought he was very aggressive when he banned smoking in bars several years ago and BECAUSE of that ban, I actually quit smoking....so, yes it is aggressive, but it's aggressive with the intent of having a positive result/impact on our children and other people that are currently lining up to eventually have diabetes....I'm all for the ban!

Dana

Finally they now need to regulate the food size and what they serve in schools.

Monique in Queens

I think the ban on soft drinks containing to much sugar is very unorthodox for the mayor to propose , the goverment can't always act as a mom and dad of the citizens , people have to learn self control and take responsibility for their actions , we should be worrying about more important issues , because if this proposal goes into effect it'll be another prohibition all over again.

Bryan
Elmhurst

I often find myself thinking Mayor Bloomberg is out of touch. However, he may be growing on me in some areas. I am only ~102 lbs and have chosen a healthy lifestyle without any sugared soda. But today there were gigantic pieces of chocolate cake at my office and I ate most of one. I caught myself thinking, "I wish giant pieces of cake were banned."

Lisa
Lincoln Square/Upper West Side

I am an ER physician in the Bronx where obesity is rampant and so I SAY YES to reducing the amount of sugar drinks sold... But MAKE WATER FREE!!!!

Dr. Kramer

This is going way to far. Sugar is LEGAL! Large sugary drinks aren't going to cause people to become intoxicated & make bad decisions. Bloomberg is going too far here! Why should we be forced to have a limit on what were allowed to consume? Sodas have been around for decades & just recently this obesity epidemic is surfacing. Is it the sugary drinks, Or is it the kids that sit on the couch playing video game baseball instead of going to a schoolyard to play? It's not up to the city to fight obesity, it's up to the parents.

G.Mo. Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

If you pay attention, most people every day seem to not only obese but also "less smart" to use a light word.

These less than smart people are not capable of making a decision unfortunately, partially because they are extremely uneducated and partly because their brains are too week from eating harmful chemically loaded foods and sugars.

So yes, I support the government helping out with the decision of making them drink less. Perhaps if they were used to drinking a 20oz sugary drink, this time they will feel "lazy" about buying a second drink.. it's more work! …. remind you, laziness is another side effect of bad health. Hopefully they will feel a little better after a few months… and attribute this to the decrease in their sugar intake.

Just to recap, most of the people who actually consume these sugary beverages are not in the position of making any decision. If we leave it up to them, they would might as well explode… in fact many are about to do so, you just have to look around you subway car.

Paola from Williamsburg Bklyn

It is the role of government to help citizens live healthier lives, like education and safety. Basic roles of government.

Daly

Bloomberg is out of control.

Does he not have anything better to do with his time?

How about start with bettering school lunches if he is so concerned with nutrition. Then he can take a history class and learn the about government. Maybe he'll learn what a capitalist government is all about. Then he can move to retirement!

Barbara - Flushing

If the mayor is going to ban big sodas because they might cause a health problem then maybe we should ban big apartments because that decreases the amount of affordable housing... Enough is enough. This is why we need term limits.

Jeff in the Les

First soda... What's next, Bloomberg and his goon squad will tell me how much Starbucks I'm allowed to drink?

I think this goes too far.

Mark from Astoria

Why not ban it all together, it's poison.

It's tragic that fat parents bring children up on sugary drinks. You're allowing the creation of an addiction that kids will never be able to shake.

We need to make the sidewalks wider to accommodate the vast numbers of new fat people in New York. You have to walk in the street to get by the vast numbers of new obese people who walk like snails!

Cheers!

Julie

The ban won't fix anything... People will buy twice more soda cans and we will have twice more garbage. All sugary beverages should have a "health tax"...

What is the difference between alcohol, cigarettes and soda?... Parents won't give the first 2 to their 5 y.o. kid....

Jenya

What about worrying about the taxes an all these teachers molesting and raping there students. What about all the illegal immigrants sneaking in the country getting free medical insurance. Come on! Super size drinks is the least of our worries!

Tania

If the mayor is so concerned about obesity, maybe he should close down McDonald's.

Nancy from Hell's Kitchen

what gives bloomberg the right to dictate what size drinks are manufactured and sold in stores? why is he trying to control every aspect of our lives. are we living in a third world country where one person thinks that he has absolute power and that he can do whatever he wants to the people of ny without any backlash. is he going to tax, fine, arrest those who purchase drinks from another states. there are much more important things that he should be focused on improving before he leaves office.

m white

Will they then allow diet sodas?
Define "sugary sodas"
How can they outlaw sugared drinks but allow cigarettes?

Kristen in Park Slope

I am against this mayor .what would stop someone from buy 3 cans of soda and what about the beverage industry . We have thousands of people working in NY.

lall

I don’t trust the restaurant industry as far as I can throw them. They were the same organization that opposed the grading of restaurants in NYC.

The mayor is trying to do the right thing by bringing an issue to our consciousness. I hate most things Bloomberg stands for but on this issue he is right. Anybody who opposes such a move is still in favor of engaging in harmful behavior not only to themselves but to others.

Ben
Brooklyn

The major's proposal is absurd. The government is too involved in controlling the lifestyle of new yorkers. A simple solution would be to create an incentive to be healthier. One way to do this is to make low calorie drinks more affordable! This would serve everyone's best interest.

Amel
Rego Park

I think is time for Von Bloomberg to learn that the United States is supposed to be a free country.

Enrique.

They want to ban sugary drinks the mayor is so strongly against these drinks that they harming people why doesn't he ban cigarettes take cigarettes off the shelves but they won't do that because each pack has that government seal on it they make money off cigarettes that's why let him start a campaign on banning cigarettes that cause more deaths than sugar.

Jose

I support the ban because all my family has sweet tooth, and the worse is we also has family history of diabetes, hight blood pressure, heart, etc.

Li
Upper East Side

I'm not opposed to the ban; however I think that smoking in NYC is a far larger health concern which needs to be addressed. In a city as dense as this, it is practically impossible not to inhale significant amounts of second hand smoke on a daily basis. Someone's unhealthy choice to drink a Big Gulp isn't pernicious to me, but being forced to inhale their carcinogenic fumes is.

Aimee
Bayside

This generation is the first one that will live LESS than the previous one since the industrial. America lags behind other western nation in health and longevity, and all is due to obesity. the society ends up paying for the costs of obesity, so the ban is a good thing.

Andres

i guess it took king bloomberg to tell us that we are fat like we didnt know it. he is just dying to find some type of legacy so when he leaves office he can feel that he has did something. well bloomberg all you did is raise everything around us and build a lot of money for you and your rich friends thats all we need is to leave is that when you leave office you wil be known as the mayor that put middle class out of new york city

John
Bay Ridge

The city government should focus on banding cigarettes. Let's focus of lung cancer.

Irma

I think the Mayor should stop treating everyone like we're children that need to be told what we can or cannot do. Drinking soda is legal and the government needs to mind its own business.

george in woodside

How dare the Mayor think he can tell me what I can drink. The choice should be mine if I want to buy a large drink or not. He should be using his time on doing something on the bullying and the sexual abuse that is claiming the lives of our children. A few days ago a member of our family committed suicide because of bulling at his school.

gberrios

The government continues to treat us like children...where will the line be drawn? What else will they outlaw? This is "Big Brother" at it's finest and the issue reaches far deeper than limiting your soda intake.

Rob - Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

This is a good idea. Cocaine is illegal and bad for your health. Coke makes people fat and gives them diabetes which increase health care costs for the rest of us.

Greg
Downtown

Sorry but I believe most of the callers phoning into your show are ill-informed and ignorant. They hate bloomberg because he has money and they don't. Their views are prejudiced. I believe Bloomberg is trying to do the right thing but the public hates this man no matter what he does.

Roy
Midtown

The mayor is a hypocrite...in 2003 he struck a deal with Snapple to sell sugared drinks in schools...when that went bust, he suddenly "flip flopped"...he should run for President!

Lynne

I don't think this is what our founding fathers had in mind.

Ann

The fact of the matter, according to most nutritionists, is that some sugar is necessary in one's diet. Complex carbohydrates help conduct proteins into the body for use as fuel. I work out regularly, so I learned this early. Yes, overindulgence in sugar is detrimental to one's health, but I personally have earned the right to consume whatever I want WHENEVER I want. We still live in a free country, and it should be up to the individual to police themselves. There are professionals who are better trained than either Bloomberg or his minions to advise individuals on how to change their eating habits. But the main culprit is the sedentary lifestyle that seems to be common here. New Yorkers need to get off their behinds and actually get away from the computer, television, etc., and stop blaming others for their habits. Better to ban Bloomberg than to limit the choices of taxpaying citizens. I hope that those who favor this ban will love living in a totalitarian state of their own making, for that is certainly where we are headed.

Keith, Inwood

This is not just about soda we do not live in a free country if the state decides how much soda we can drink-this is what he and his cronies are about bit by bit taking away are freedoms it is called problem reaction solution look at his history on smoking trans fat etc. This is part of amuch bigger agenda they are pushing down our throats

mike
tomkinsville si

Yes. The Mayor should support an active lifestyle and not cut school athletics and physical recreation. We need to move more!

Lillie

It's pretty pathetic that all the fat people are blaming everyone else but themselves for how they look and they are "victims" when they really should look at themselves in the mirror. This is a public health hazard and the people calling in tonight aren't educated enough to understand the issue here. That's sad. The mayor wouldn't be spending his time on this unless it affects NY in an adverse way which it clearly does.

Max
Manhattan

This is just another way for the city to make a buck off of the backs of small business. If this was really about the well being of people, stop McDonalds, Burger King, etc. from selling the larger drinks for cents more over the regular size. Why fine small business once again for the decision the patron is choosing to make?

Toni,
Forest Hills, NY

He's treating the symptoms, not the problem.

Ban all soda machines from schools. Put money toward nutrition educational programs.
Education, education, education. Most people simply do not know better, and their children suffer because of it.

Patrick from Astoria

Due to the number of animated responses from viewers the mayor may have a point,must be the sugar. All jokes aside I tend to agree with him however it won't stop anyone from buying a 3liter at the supermarket and taking it into McDonalds. Education about good eating habits. On tv,at home and in the schools. That is what will curb the problem.

Jimmy
The Bronx

I am a Medic, there are also people who are UNDERWEIGHT because of medical conditions and they NEED lots of sugar and fluids; there are people who are POOR and cannot buy only in small quantities; this Mayor is wrong, this is FASCISM, supersize sodas are not the cause of childhood obesity!

Vinnie on UWS

I agree with Christine Quin that this won't stop obesity. People will just buy two at a time.

I feel like I am in an old sci Fi movie called Demolition Man where all food that is not healthy is illegal.

If Bloomberg wants children to be healthy he should put better food in schools. My child gets cheese sticks and pizza for lunch which is very salty. We have to battle with the dietician to get more salad.

Doris from Lower Eastside

It's interesting to me that we are discussing a regulation and ban on large sizes of sugary drinks, but not a ban on smoking? I don't think this is the government's role. I give a thumbs up to the recent subway ads and awareness campaign, but not regulation. And what about Aspartame? Not exactly a better option...

Allison
West Harlem

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has already reported that the public has already cut back on the use of oversize sugar drinks, using other sugar free drinks. The CDC also noted that it is the human aspect of a person over eating and not burning off or watching calorie intake that is the main problem. They also suggested that it is self-education between his/her self and their physician and not government intervention to resolve the issue of obesity.

But as like everything else that happens in New York City the soda ban is most likely to become a reality because the proposal requires the approval of the Board of Health and all members have been handpicked by Mayor Bloomberg himself!! So what else is new -- this is a Dictatorship that has to end!

I suggest that Mayor Bloomberg stick to what he does best -- going after teachers, the union, closing schools and laying off school aides.

Lisa

If my memory serves me correctly, a large soda used to be 16 ounces. If this ban goes into effect, it probably will be only a matter of time before people get used to it. It is a tempest in a teapot.

Regina, Forest Hills

You should be careful that your Snap Pole doesn't get too big--the mayor might take away your Snap pole.

Darry

Just tax it to the max or sign this form.

I will eat what I want and I will drink what I want. If I get sick I will not apply for Medicare or Medicaid I will pay for my own health care.

X__________________________

Richard

I am an adult. I can make my own decisions. if i want to super size my soda now and then(mostly then), I should have that right. Two words to the Mayor: Remember Prohibition!

JOHN
YORKVILLE

When does it stop! This mayor has to start worrying about crime rising the roads and getting more money into peoples pocket. This is just how Adolf started.

Don

Nobody should tell us what we can and cannot drink. What is going to be next? When we can breathe? This is ridiculous. People need to be in control of their own health. Drinks are a personal choice.

Nicolina, Brooklyn NY

People! Stop drinking the Kool-Aid! Firstly, it's UN AMERICAN for the government to tell us what we can or can't eat or drink. Secondly, video games AREN'T EXERCISE! Bloomberg and his band of crooks shut down a lot of after school programs. It isn't the fast foods and sodas. Its kids sitting on their butts playing video games and sitting in front of their computers for hours on end that is a big contributor to the obesity problem. Maybe Bloomberg should be concerned with the salt content in kosher foods. What? Not interested Mike? Why am I not surprised.

Norm Upper East side

Bloomberg is out of touch with regular people... it is scary. Cut Day care but ban sodas. Let them eat cake. When we go to the movies we share the soda. It is cheaper. We can't afford to buy two sodas.

Reney

He wants to ban sugary drinks the mayor is so strongly against these drinks that they harming people why doesn't he ban cigarettes take cigarettes off the shelves but they won't do that because each pack has that government seal on it they make money off cigarettes that's why let him start a campaign on banning cigarettes that cause more deaths than sugar.

Jose from Harlem

Why doesn't he go after the beer company. Oh that might be targeting tourist.

Junior
Hollis

Dear Mayor Mike Bloomburgermeister-

Spending your time focused on large sugary drinks? How about dirtbags killing cops?
Marshal your energy Mr. Czar. Prioritize. All us wee Plebeians have to do so to make ends meet in your fiefdom.

Kevin Kelly
Clifton
Staten Island
U.S.A.

If the Administration is worried about obesity, the he should bring back gym classes to city schools everyday, outside recess also make the city recreation centers affordable so citizens can exercise, the cost to join has skyrocketed to 150 a year. Stop making cuts in resources that help citizens!

Monique

This is crazy, why doesn't he do this for the sale of alcohol. Instead they lifted the ban on selling alcohol on Sundays to ban 16oz of sugary drinks. He is ridiculous, what is he trying to do? Run a dictatorship here in NY or starting his Presidential campaign as of now about how much he cares about the people. Make this effort for the sell of alcohol not regular drinks, that's up to the individual not him.

Linda

The Mayor stink almost a 11 years in he has done nothing to help middle class in 11 years. Plus laws need to be changed how is it he can pass laws and all he has to do is get it passed by people he hand picked. The Mayor needs to do his job.

His job is to fix the budget and the school system he needs to take 20 million from his bank account and help the system. Give me a break I don't want to hear about Health care health care cost money no matter what we drink. The Mayor thinks he is a king when all he is an elected official who went around the law to get himself a 3rd term.

Joe Bayside

Sensor sensor in my body who's the fairest one of all Seven to ten years shock treatment for all

Luigi

Will the mayor also ban burgers, fries, mac & cheese, pizza, etc?

DebSue

How about bloomberg concerning himself with the fact that middle school students have gym 1 period only per week! That he is promoting the co location of charter schools into public school buildings where there are already 3 schools who cannot sched their students to have gym! Students get 15 min of recess to run around after they eat pizza and fried empanadas. During winter there is absolutely no running or physical play due to weather. How bout putting his money where his mouth is build physical fitness spaces in every public school in nyc. Stop helping hedgefunders to make more money under guise of helping the poor in this city!

Teacher of 15 years nycdoe

How come no one makes the connection to George Orwells 1984? Big Brother not only controlled their every move, but what they ate and drank. Same thing here! PSA's make sense, but the rest should be about personal responsibility.

Amanda
Fort Greene

I am all for whatever it takes to keep our children healthy. One can see America booming with obese children, well of course, their parents are obese, too. Who do you think buy these sugar-rich drinks or junk food? Of course, the parents! There are many food items in the supermarket that are healthy and inexpensive. I salute Mr Bloomberg in being concerned about the health of America. What do you think the mayor is proposing banning sugary drinks. It will not benefit him- it will benefit you, me , and everybody! Wake up, America!

Carl

The idea makes no sense the way its currently drawn up. Why not associate the size restrictions with an actual concentration of sugar content in the beverage? You cannot haphazardly pass restrictions on an entire niche of beverage types. By pinning the restrictions based on actual sugar content, the soda industry would be motivated to push "healthier" soft drinks; i.e less sugar.

Doug
Brooklyn

This is my personal opinion; "this is the very reason why we should not put a rich man into office, because he can invest his money on issues like this. If the Mayor goes and ban sugar drinks, he knows to invest his money in non-sugar drinks." I don't believe the Mayor is doing this, because he cares for the people of New York. Liquor kills; cigarettes kills, drugs kills, the lack of education hurts people and the Mayor is closing alot of them. Everybody is saying the Mayor made so much money in office, investing into what? Did it have anything to do with any changes he made while in office? I'mj ust saying...

Donald

If the mayor is so concerned about the obesity rate in NYC, he would make healthier food available in schools, and lower calorie drinks affordable.

Daniella

Sometimes the smallest drink is a large. Small cans as well.

Paul

We are two NYC public school teachers and we have a 4th grader who hasn't even had a phys ed teacher for 4 yrs. How about Mayor Bloomberg makes sure that each school has a phys ed program so that every child can be equipped and supported in there health awareness by qualified individuals!!

Chroulaz

Evidently education does not work that well, otherwise people would not overlap on my seat in the subway all the time. There's little use in putting information out there when people are either too stupid or just unwilling to absorb it. I think Bloomberg is taking the right steps to effecting a change. Sadly, leaving it up to the general population to resist the massive advertising campaigns of corporations knowingly producing liquids that cause obesity and the concomitant diseases does not bring about changes in behavior. Anyone who thinks otherwise is welcome to join me on my morning commute and have ample evidence to the contrary.

Cheryl, Astoria

When was the last time the mayor went food shopping I could get 10 unhealthy juices or soda for 10 dollars at my supermarket but I could only get two healthy juices for 10.00 dollars. Why don't he invest some of that 11 million in to making healthy and organic foods and drinks easier and cheaper to buy, Or better yet raise the pay wage so we could have money to buy healthier food and be able to live stress free and weight free.

Shanna

Soda is a large problem, the smaller sizes will help obesity.

People just like drinking soda, they know its not good for them.

If you shrink the plate they will lose weight. The city and the health commissioner thought about it, we don't think when we drink soda,

We need informed decisions.

David from Sunnyside

I wanted to say that I am totally against this ban although I do not drink sodas or other sugared drinks on a regular basis. I agree that too many people have too many sodas & other sugary drinks too often but this is not the way to encourage healthier habits!!

Personally I would rather have sugar than all the artificial sweeteners used in diet drinks and it is my right to make that choice not the mayors!!! When I decide to partake I should be allowed to purchase any size I want this really is an absurd amount of Government intrusion in my life. I like the 20 0z bottle I can reseal it and be able to finish the drink later or even the next day & not worry about spills in my bag.

What’s next? Outlawing sugar in your coffee?? Why don’t we just send inspectors to everyone’s home & if you don’t have enough salad in you Fridge your fined! Double the fine if you have (heaven forbid) ice cream in the freezer. I’m sorry but this is just too much!

Tell the Billionaire Bully to Buzz Off!!!!

Annoyed New Yorker

WHATS NEXT EVERYONE MUST GO TO BED AT 10:00PM

PEDRO BRONX

People worry that they are being "controlled" if the bill passes but they are failing to realize that when we are bombarded by junk food we are being controlled by the companies that produce these foods. People who would otherwise order a small size at a movie theater for example are asked by the cashiers if they would like to supersize their order for just a few cents more. That manipulation is a form of control.

Jasmine

We should change his name tou nightmayor bloomberg

Don

This is the approach to this issue. Someone can buy two or three 16 oz bottles of soda as to one bottle at the store. So how would this resolve the issue. Bloomberg should tax a certain sugar value in soda's and addititives in soda's. He may need to get State legislation for the tax.

overall, i'm against the policy. People that are overweight usually don't feel good about themselves. So they may have other issues that may need to be addressed --- sugar drinks and food is their comfort.

Chris

I agree with the banned some how, but the mayor would have to make some agreements with health companies like organic, natural, etc in order to lower those high priced products that are good for our health but are way too expensive for people in general. Rise the price of soda at least 50c and lower 50c on diet, low calorie or the great coke zero!!!

He has to make sure water is way more affordable that soda!!! one bottle of smart water is 2.50 n a soda is 1.5 ????? thats a dollar diff!!!! Water should be cheaper!!!! no matter what!

Educate people about soda!!! The best solution lower the prices of healthy/organic food!!! period!

Paola

Mayor Bloomberg is a socialist, where's Sarah Palin when you need her. He's more of a socialist than is proclaimed of Pres. Obama. What's next a ban on chewing gum and walking. How about an initiative to support after school programs for kids and exercise.

Bryan

If people are too stupid to take care of their own health then the government should step in especially when tax payer dollars have to subsidize the many visits to the ER by people suffering from diabetes and other health issues brought on by their lack of proper nutrition.

Mitchell
Upper West Side

I think that the mayors proposal doesn't even make sense because people will buy more medium or small drinks to compensate for the large... I also think he should educate people instead of making us do what he thinks is best for us...we should be able to make our on choices.

Gustavo

I don't drink regular or diet soda. I find it very difficult to find bev without artificial sugar in it that is not carbonated and not milk. I am intolerant of both.
Does anyone raise the issue of risks of carcinogenic diet sodas?

When they are banned. What will people be drinking next?

It is too much for the govt to consider. Inform the public don't restrict the public.

Alix from wash heights

Bloomberg should work on making healthier choices cheaper

Sally

In my opinion the mayor should be concerned in important things, rather then the amount of beverages new yorkers should drink. Always violating our rights.

Yahaira, brooklyn new york

If it's their personal choice to gorge on sugar, it's my personal choice not to pay their healthcare and disability pay.

Frank, Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Most people are missing the point.

It is not about obesity.

It is about the Government , King Bloomberg, controlling our life, social engineering.

He used the control several times at the press conference.

An individual, yes individual should be able to chose.

Marc
Tribeca

This ban wont stop people from drinking however much soda they want. People can buy several small sodas or get as many refills as they want. As it is now I get a large diet coke & go back & refill it a couple of times.

Dennis

While obesity may cost us as a society, I hardly think that infringing upon such basic civil liberties will be effective. I can assure you the poor eating habits of an "obese" person does not soely consist of sugary soft drinks. Should all fattening foods be banned? Should we further monitor the eating habits of people by requiring New Yorkers to have a monthly weigh in, and impose a fat tax on those who exceed those weight limitations? Where do we draw the line? What will be next? A ban on sex to prevent the spread of STDs or to prevent children that parents cannot afford? Who put this man back in office?

I. Castro

I don't understand why the mayor is constantly abusing his power he has to understand that forcing people to make healthy choices is not the right way to go. Look he has been cutting funding to after school programs that keeps the students fit. He must understand that the cost for healthy and fresh fruits cost more especially in low in come areas. What I don't understand is why promote the diet sodas when they're have artifical sugars and hidden chemicals? If he's so concerned why can't he use his own money? I strongly agree with those who are against him, alot of consumers are going to realize he's imposing his views on others he must stop now period.

Jonathan
Jamaica, Queens

"government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more.” Abraham Lincoln.

Clearly the general public is too stupid to control themselves even in the face of a public epidemic where one out of eight adults in NYC is affected by diabetes and I have to pay for their health care.

Jason

Has anyone walked through a school cafeteria recently? Most kids who buy lunch do not purchase healthy items. Why? Because they don’t taste as good! It’s a simple as that. Kids buys pizza, bagels, soda, french fries and hamburgers. And I got news for you…the kids know it’s unhealthy. They also don’t care. If the sugary drinks and fatty foods are available, kids will order it. At least this ban will help reduce their intake on soda.

Brian
Astoria, NY
Teacher

Regarding the soda regulation:
I am not sure if a law regulating the size is the right way, but one of the main points that seems to be made on your program is that healthy food seems to be more expensive, and the rich major should help to provide cheaper healthy food.

I find this myth of expensive healthy totally wrong and contraproductive. Especially it is very easy to have much cheaper healthy drinks than sugary soda. First of all there is (almost) free tab water. It's delicious, especially if you filter it, it's unlimited and cheaper than any soda out there. If you argue it has "no taste", you can mix it with healthy even organic juices, eg apple juice, maybe 1:4. This way you have a fruity pleasant flavor, but not the full sugar of fruit juice.

Also for other foods it's not that difficult to find cheap healthy food. I would argue that any thai place in the city is cheaper and provides healthier food than any fast food chain.
So please stop to deepen the myth that heathy food is automatically more expensive, it only provides a lame excuse for anybody who is too lazy to look for it.

I also don't find it productive to stress how rich the major is. That should not be the issue at all, since other majors don't have to pay for public initiatives with their own money either. Be fair!

Christian

I strongly disagree with the mayor on this beverage issue. Is he then going to dictate to us what and how much we are going to eat?

Jim

Bloomberg needs to stop imposing his conservative beliefs on citizens. I can't stand the fact that he has been given so much power, he's out off control. He wants us to be health conscious then make educational programs available! If people loose their jobs because of daycare cuts etc they'll spend their time eating everything in sight due to depression, some will commit suicide, crimes, and leave the city. Homelessness will rise and so will city costs _maybe that's the goal?