Community Corner

SOUND OFF: Should Sugary Drinks Be Banned?

New York City recently passed a ban on soda and sugary drinks over 16 ounces. Where do you stand on soda size?

The New York City Board of Health made it official: No large sodas.

The unanimous decision extends to sodas larger than 16 ounces from fast-food restaurants, movie theaters and street vendors. It is the first of its kind in the nation and does not cover convenience stores or supermarkets. It will go into effect in March 2013.

"This is the single biggest step any city, I think, has ever taken to curb obesity," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg told the New York Times following 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."

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The decision has been applauded by some including Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver who said that over half of the adults in New York are obese or overweight.

There has been opposition to the decision in polls of residents and by private interest groups. Some of those groups have said they will fight the decision.

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The ruling could spark similar moves in other communities across the country.

Patch wants to know: Would you like to see a soda ban in Rhode Island in the interest of public health or do you want your super soda? Sound off in the comments.


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