Students must read online: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/nyregion/health-board-approves-bloombergs-soda-ban.html
In “Health Panel Approves Restriction on Sale of Large
Sugary Drinks,” Michael M. Grynbaum writes on Sept. 13:
Seeking to reduce runaway obesity
rates, the New York City Board of Health on Thursday approved a ban on the sale
of large sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, street carts and movie
theaters, the first restriction of its kind in the country.
The measure, championed by Mayor
Michael R. Bloomberg, is certain to intensify a growing national debate about
soft drinks and obesity, and it could spur other cities to follow suit, even as
many New Yorkers say they remain uneasy about the plan.
“This is the single biggest step any
city, I think, has ever taken to curb obesity,” Mr. Bloomberg said shortly
after the vote. “It’s certainly not the last step that lots of cities are going
to take, and we believe that it will help save lives.”
The measure, which bars the sale of many sweetened drinks in
containers larger than 16 ounces, is to take effect on March 12, unless it is
blocked by a judge. The vote by the Board of Health was the only regulatory
approval needed to make the ban binding in the city, but the American
soft-drink industry has campaigned strongly against the measure and vowed this
week to fight it through other means, possibly in the courts.
Students: Do you think the
government should limit the size of sugary drinks to curb obesity?
Do
you think the size of sugary drinks has gotten out of hand?
Or,
do you think the market should decide the sizes of sugary drinks? After all, if
consumers think something is too big, they won’t buy it.
Do
you like to order large size sugary drinks at fast food restaurants or movie
theaters? Would this ban affect your beverage habits?
Do
you think the ban is good public policy or an infringement on your rights?
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