NYC wants to ban sales of large soda drinks

[kenny]

Partial Snip:

New York (CNN) -- New York City is poised to ban the sale of large-size sodas and other sugary beverages in an effort to combat rising obesity rates, a city official said Thursday.
The ban would outlaw the sale of such drinks larger than 16 ounces from restaurants, food carts and any other establishment that receives a letter grade for food service. It would not apply to grocery stores.
The New York City Board of Health will vote on the measure in June, the official said.

Full story:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/31/us/new-york-sugar-drinks/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

I think this is nanny state run amok.
People are just going to order two sodas.

Yes there is an obesity problem, but this will do nothing for it but piss everyone off.

 

[sonnyjane]

Re: NYC wants to ban sales of big sodas

I don't drink soda, nor do I live in NYC, so this doesn't affect me directly, but I don't like the principle. I eat fairly well *most* of the time, and I'm active enough that I'm considered a healthy weight. I don't eat junk every single day, but you better believe if the town I lived in took away my right to eat a greasy burrito or my occasional Ben & Jerry's, there'd be hell to pay. I understand that I can't have those things everyday. Just because other people don't (or don't care), doesn't mean you should take them away from everyone.

 

[TravelingGal]

Partial Snip:

New York (CNN) -- New York City is poised to ban the sale of large-size sodas and other sugary beverages in an effort to combat rising obesity rates, a city official said Thursday.
The ban would outlaw the sale of such drinks larger than 16 ounces from restaurants, food carts and any other establishment that receives a letter grade for food service. It would not apply to grocery stores.
The New York City Board of Health will vote on the measure in June, the official said.

Full story:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/31/us/new-york-sugar-drinks/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

I think this is nanny state run amok.
People are just going to order two sodas.

Yes there is an obesity problem, but this will do nothing for it but piss everyone off.

I generally agree with you Kenny. However, you assume that all people *can* order two sodas. For some people, they may not because they don't want to (or can't) pay extra. There may be parents who buy their kids soda and the kids will have to learn to make it stretch because the parents won't buy more. However, with free refills at a lot of places, it won't make a big difference.

But yeah I'm with you.

 

[ame]

I have a big issue with this.

 

[kenny]

Don't worry.
You can still get unlimited refills but you'll lose weight because your cup is smaller so you'll get more exercise getting refills.

 

[Imdanny]

 

[TristanC]

In Singapore a long time ago (i forget when, as I was still in school - easily more than a decade ago), the government banned chewing gum.

The given reason was that it cost hundreds of man hours to clear it off the sidewalks (those ugly black stains that never go away), inconvenienced others, and had at one point also delayed commuters as people stuck it in between train doors, that were rigged to open up when it closed onto a physical obstruction - in this case some twit's gum, as a safety measure should someone's finger get caught for example.

Those were the stated reasons. There were others I'm sure.

The whole world jumped on the bandwagon and made it into a classic example of nanny state nonsense and a ridiculous loss of civil rights and just sheer and utter stupidity.

20 years or so on... gum has come back. Meanwhile 2 whole generations grew up without it... and streets are cleaner. People just don't have the habit to chew gum often.

It isn't a big deal. One way or the other.

Personally, I think it is a good move. Most people would never omit sugar from their diet voluntarily. So stepping in for everyone's well being is actually a brave call. Yes it does piss everyone off in the short run, but hey, sometimes people need to make that kind of call for the better good.

My 2 cents.

 

[ame]

This is a terrible idea. All around. I understand what he is trying to do, and think in concept it is a good thing. But implementation is awful in this case. Want to try to CURB people from buying it, then tax it higher, fine, Ill pay the higher amount on it. But don't tell me what I can and cannot buy. And don't take money out of the economy by telling someone they can't have what they're paying for already, because if you limit how many cups they buy (which is a likelihood), they'll jsut not buy it at all, and now you're taking money out of the already dented economy. Further, people buying more than one cup will just throw away more cups. And they likely won't recycle them, they'll just toss them, so now you're increasing the amount of trash.

 

[Prana]

If I want to drink a 2liter with my supersized extra value meal, I should have the right to do that. Once or twice a year.

I understand that we have a major problem with obesity and over consumption in this country. I think educating people earlier on is the best way to start fixing this.

That, and stopping the use of chemicals, hormones, high fructose corn syrup and preservatives in our food. I'm sure those are only exacerbating this issue.

I don't like the government getting involved in my personal life, but I can understand why they feel the need to regulate. Think of how much money the government and insurance companies have to spend on the health problems and complications that are bought about by obesity.

So as much as I don't like government meddling like this, in this case, I understand why. Obesity is costing us so much money!

 

[ame]

Fast Food needs to be taxed higher. It costs less to buy crap food than it does to buy real food, and the fast food companies know that very well and take excellent advantage. People are trying to spend less and cannot afford real food in many cases, hence the eating of crap. If you make real food cost less and fake food cost significantly more to where it's prohibitive and a "Treat" people will buy less of it, and be less obese.

 

[Prana]

This is a terrible idea. All around. I understand what he is trying to do, and think in concept it is a good thing. But implementation is awful in this case. Want to try to CURB people from buying it, then tax it higher, fine, Ill pay the higher amount on it. But don't tell me what I can and cannot buy. And don't take money out of the economy by telling someone they can't have what they're paying for already, because if you limit how many cups they buy (which is a likelihood), they'll jsut not buy it at all, and now you're taking money out of the already dented economy. Further, people buying more than one cup will just throw away more cups. And they likely won't recycle them, they'll just toss them, so now you're increasing the amount of trash.

I agree with you on taxing items like this. That way it doesn't take away choices, but it might make one think twice. Also, it would put money back into the economy.

 

[kenny]

The obesity problem is so huge I'm not sure anything can be done.
Most of our daily lives require nearly no physical work.
I was astonished to learn that vans come with siding doors that open and close with a push of a button.
We don't wash our clothes by hand any more.
We have cars, elevators, electric garage door openers, even battery-power screwdrivers.

Manufacturers and buyers have eternal love affair with reducing work.

Unhealthy food is cheap, addictive and, like morphine, releases endorphins.

There is no hope.

 

[amc80]

First San Francisco wants to ban happy meals and tell me I can't circumcise my son...now New York wants to tell my I can't buy a large soda?

I'm glad I live in a state where I can walk down the street with a gun on my hip while gambling and/or soliciting a prostitute.

Um, not that I do those things, but I totally could (well, in most of the state).

 

[HollyS]

Nanny state.

I'm all for common sense, restraint, and moderation. And I don't even LIKE soda.

But since when do my civil liberties NOT include feeding myself whatever the hell I'd like to eat???

It's a slippery slope when you start telling people what to do every moment of their lives. We'll go from nanny state to police state in record time.

The restaurant associations need to get their political clout together to kick this silly mayor's ass.

 

[packrat]

Fat people w/all their health problems are better for the economy than active healthy people. If everyone ate the way we SHOULD, several small meals, lots of protein and water, exercised regularly, quit smoking, etc..it would be good for US but not good for THEM. Reducing diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol and other things that are generally related to being over weight and inactive, takes money out of the pharmaceutical companies pockets. It takes money out of the govt's pockets. Think of it. No more gastric bypasses to lose weight, no more round the clock infommercials on losing weight super fast. Millions of people who rely on our fat and unhealthy lives continuing for their benefit will be faced with losing their jobs. People wouldn't be sick as often, being healthier means not as many trips to the Dr's office. No no no, it's in everyone's best interest to stay fat and unhealthy, we have to think of the livelihoods of those who make their living treating the fat and unhealthy. We're not about doing what's GOOD for the general public, it's their choice to be fat and lazy, so we have to allow it.

 

[kenny]

Fat people w/all their health problems are better for the economy than active healthy people. If everyone ate the way we SHOULD, several small meals, lots of protein and water, exercised regularly, quit smoking, etc..it would be good for US but not good for THEM. Reducing diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol and other things that are generally related to being over weight and inactive, takes money out of the pharmaceutical companies pockets. It takes money out of the govt's pockets. Think of it. No more gastric bypasses to lose weight, no more round the clock infommercials on losing weight super fast. Millions of people who rely on our fat and unhealthy lives continuing for their benefit will be faced with losing their jobs. People wouldn't be sick as often, being healthier means not as many trips to the Dr's office. No no no, it's in everyone's best interest to stay fat and unhealthy, we have to think of the livelihoods of those who make their living treating the fat and unhealthy. We're not about doing what's GOOD for the general public, it's their choice to be fat and lazy, so we have to allow it.

Frankly, you make an excellent point.
They make more money off of us the way it is.

 

[makemepretty]

That reminds me of the way Snickers will no longer be made King size, because too many people assumed it was a single serving candy bar. Aren't people responsible for themselves anymore? If someone wants to die by overeating and being unhealthy, what business is it of ours? Cigarettes are way worse for you but those are still legal. I think this is just ridiculous. You don't become overweight because food is available for you to purchase! Honestly, I see more overweight people consuming diet drinks than regular.

Will they let you buy two small drinks if you're at your ideal BMI but only one if you're over? I wonder.

 

[swingirl]

All the fat people I know insist on ordering diet drinks. So what difference does the size make? If its got zero calories they aren't getting fat from their cokes. Next.

 

[ame]

That reminds me of the way Snickers will no longer be made King size, because too many people assumed it was a single serving candy bar. .

I never once assumed that. I just don't CARE that it's multiple servings

 

[AGBF]

All the fat people I know insist on ordering diet drinks. So what difference does the size make? If its got zero calories they aren't getting fat from their cokes. Next.

I've just been reading along without having a strong opinion either way (so far). When I read this, it struck me that it is true that many overweight women, at least, drink diet soda. Is that true for overweight men?

The other thing that struck me is kids NEVER drink diet soda. NEVER. (And I never wanted to give it to my kid! It's full of chemicals!) I was lucky to have a child who didn't even go for fruit juices, which can be full of sugar. Should we allow the nanny state to manage what kids drink? Or should that be totally the parents' responsibility?

From a pure civil liberties point of view, this is bizarre. Liquor and dairy based drinks like milkshakes are to be exempt. Why? What's the rationale? What about Starbucks? Will there still be a venti latte? Or was the venti latte always 16 ounces or under already?

Deb/AGBF

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Fat people w/all their health problems are better for the economy than active healthy people. If everyone ate the way we SHOULD, several small meals, lots of protein and water, exercised regularly, quit smoking, etc..it would be good for US but not good for THEM. Reducing diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol and other things that are generally related to being over weight and inactive, takes money out of the pharmaceutical companies pockets. It takes money out of the govt's pockets. Think of it. No more gastric bypasses to lose weight, no more round the clock infommercials on losing weight super fast. Millions of people who rely on our fat and unhealthy lives continuing for their benefit will be faced with losing their jobs. People wouldn't be sick as often, being healthier means not as many trips to the Dr's office. No no no, it's in everyone's best interest to stay fat and unhealthy, we have to think of the livelihoods of those who make their living treating the fat and unhealthy. We're not about doing what's GOOD for the general public, it's their choice to be fat and lazy, so we have to allow it.

This is ridiculous. Instead of spending the money trying to ban large sodas, why not spend the money on education and prevention?

ETA: the proposed ban is ridiculous, Packrat, your post wonderful!

 

[ame]

My DH drinks diet because he got diagnosed as Type 1 about 3 years ago in a particularly terrifying fiasco that has us in malpractice proceedings. He hated diet, but if he wanted soda that was his only option. He's since gotten used to it, and is pleased at the options of diet soda available in the brands he likes. But neither of us drinks a lot anymore. I haven't kept much in our house in years, other than a random 6 pack of chocolate soda or something. I have also stopped buying it for work usually. If I want one, I have to go through a drivethrough/to a restaurant/gas station and get it on the fountain, and when it's gone it's gone.

 

[Matata]

Have any of you watched the HBO series The Weight of the Nation? It's eye opening. As with everything else in our country it's all about profits. Companies make more money producing unhealthy food. A single can of a soft drink yields the company 90% profit. Fifty percent (50%) of America's farms are producing two crops -- corn & soybeans -- and getting govt subsidies to do it. Meanwhile, those farmers who are producing fruits & veggies get no money from the govt.

 

[Prana]

Have any of you watched the HBO series The Weight of the Nation? It's eye opening. As with everything else in our country it's all about profits. Companies make more money producing unhealthy food. A single can of a soft drink yields the company 90% profit. Fifty percent (50%) of America's farms are producing two crops -- corn & soybeans -- and getting govt subsidies to do it. Meanwhile, those farmers who are producing fruits & veggies get no money from the govt.

My husband watched this and has been talking about it a lot lately.

We've gotten so far removed from quality in the USA it's ridiculous. Walk through the grocery store and try to find food products that don't contain chemicals, high fructose corn syrup, chemically manufactured ingredients, mass amounts of preservatives, gross quantities of weird fats and hormones.

No wonder girls are developing breasts at 8 years old. No wonder cancer is on the rise. No wonder we just keep getting fatter. This country has such a massive problem with eating disgusting food and consuming in masses that could feed a small village.

The worst part of it is that the country really is doing this on purpose. They don't care about offering us quality goods. They don't care about our health. The fatter and more unhealthy we are, the more $$$ businesses (hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, ets) make.

I really have a personal vendetta against high fructose corn syrup. I don't drink soda, but I don't like the fact that we don't even have the option of buying soda made with cane sugar (unless it's a specialty brand)without ordering it from a specialty store. It's disgusting.

 

[Circe]

I am fascinated by the way that city/state governments have to punish individual consumers because the federal government lacks the strength to enforce national health standards. No, I do not approve of a nanny state ... but there's quite a ways between that and an unregulated free market, and we're veering a lot closer to the latter than the former, with, for example, our HFCS (and their attempts to rebrand themselves as "corn sugar" to avoid the negative connotations). I'd quite like to see punitive actions along a policy line that could be filed under "Don't hate the player, hate the game ...."

P.S. - Packrat, COSIGN.

 

[Haven]

I agree that this is a ridiculous measure. Nanny state, indeed.

But I wonder: How do we solve America's obesity problem?

I've been working in a new school for the last two years, and I'm pretty shocked by the number of obese students we have. This is a community college in one of the wealthiest income districts in the nation, and these young people are very unhealthy. I spent six years teaching in a CC in a more rural area, and while I certainly had obese students, the population was, in general, smaller. This is something that really struck me when I came to my new school. Some of my current students are struggling financially, to be sure, but many of them come from very wealthy homes and have a lot of disposable income. They could eat healthy if they wanted to.

 

[caitnyc]

I live in NYC obviously, and I have mixed feelings on this. I understand what Bloomberg is going for here but I still think it is stupid. He already tried to impose higher taxes on soda and other sugary drinks and was blocked. He tried to prevent food stamps from being used to buy soda and was blocked. I guess this is his last option.

I'd also like to point out that he isn't stopping you from buying these drinks. He is just attempting to stop licensed resturants from serving them. 7-11 and their big gulps would be exempt. Also those Venti Lattes from Starbucks would be fine because they are mostly milk.

 

[packrat]

Haven, I don't believe the problem *can* be fixed. Or stopped or regulated or controlled or lessened. We're a free country, so we're free to be fat and lazy if we so choose, we've got freedoms up to our ears and I am of the mind that it's starting to come around and bite us in the patoot but there's not much we can do about it..b/c we have rights. Our rights and freedoms prevent us from doing anything about it other than taking care of *ourselves*.

In fact I'm going to be free right now and get myself a bowl of coffee ice cream whilst I ruminate. It's Bryers tho..that means it's healthy right?

I think about this stuff quite often..Actually, I should rephrase my first sentence here, I think something *can* be done about obesity but..nobody will do it. Nobody's got the balls to do it b/c some people will get mad and stomp their feet and shake their fists and screech about their rights. That's what we do. And, it doesn't matter *what* you do, there will always be someone, somewhere to rush to your defense and scream THIS IS AMERICA! Whatever, it's great to be free to be a big lazy fatty pants yeah but..does that mean you HAVE to? They can chant "everything in moderation, moderation is key" until they're blue in the face but I don't know that we're a nation of moderation-we've become "I'll do what I want when I want and how I want and you can shut your pie hole because I have RIGHTS"

And, also nobody will do anything about it b/c there are too many pockets that need to be lined.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q5Q3rSx2oQ

Priorities are soooo out of whack.

 

[lulu]

As long as I can still get a large size Manhattan in Manhattan, I'm good.

 

[Haven]

This thread prompted me to watch HBO's Weight of the Nation. I'm only 30 minutes into the first part so far, but it's very interesting.

Packrat--I agree with everything you've said. I wonder, though, if there are ways we can help curb childhood obesity, even a little bit.

ETA: I'm eating ice cream too, Thin Mint ice cream, and I dare someone to try to take it away from me. I'm miserably sick with this pregnancy and it's the first time I've had an appetite all day, SO BACK OFF.