NYC Soda Ban Takes Effect in Restaurants Tuesday March 12: Large, Sugary Drinks Still Available at 7-11

NYC's controversial ban on large sodas is set to take effect Tuesday, barring any court challenges that may hold off the restriction.

The law will be the first of its kind in the United States, banning the sale of sodas and coffees over 16 oz. within the city of New York. Many restaurateurs have printed new menus and signs in advance of the rule change. Dunkin' Donuts in the city are advising customers to sweeten their own coffee to work around the ban.

New York City "has the ability to do this and the obligation to try to help," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, one of the law's chief advocates.

The law comes in response to the obesity epidemic that has spread throughout America over the last several decades. Sugary drinks are often viewed as a chief source of the calories that lead to obesity, because they consist of 100s of calories but our body does not feel full off of them.

Opposers of the regulation claim that the law is unfairly biased against restaurants and movie theaters. Because restaurants and movie theaters fall under the jurisdiction of the city, they have to comply. In the meantime, convenience stores and supermarkets are regulated by the state, and therefore do not have to cease selling large drinks.

That's right. A 20 oz soda at McDonald's is off the table, but a 50 oz Double Gulp is still entirely legal.

New Yorkers are split on the new rules. In a recent Quinnipiac poll, 51 percent opposed the law while 46 percent agree with it.

What do you think? Should New Yorkers be able to drink what they want? Or is this a change for the better? Should the law be extended to convenience stores?

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