How the New Soft Drink Ban Affects You
With the new approved health ban that prevents consumers from purchasing supersized drinks, many individuals are concerned what places will be impacted.
According to the New York City's press release, self-service cups or containers shall not contain more than 16 fluid ounces of any soft drink. Any drink that is less than 25 calories per 8 ounces, more than 50 percent milk or 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice will not be impacted.
The regulation will apply to any food service establishment that is regulated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: restaurants, mobile food carts, delis and concessions at movie theaters, stadiums and arenas. The new ordinance will be enforced through the New York City's regular restaurant inspection process.
This means Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, Broadway Theatres, and movie theatres are all included. The new Barclay's Center, which will be the home of the Brooklyn Nets and the borough's first major venue, is the first arena that will voluntarily comply with the new ordinance.
Although coffee is not considered as a soft drink and is not included in the regulation, eateries such as Dunkin Donuts are. According to Michelle King, a Dunkin' Brands spokeswoman, all 478 Dunkin Donut shops will be negatively impacted.
With this ban, city officials hope to reduce long term weight gain and risks of diabetes and heart disease. According to health experts from Harvard University and three other leading nutrition research institutions in the United States and Canada, sugary drinks are contributors to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, and their consumption "should be limited and replaced by healthy alternatives such as water."
In efforts to thwart Mayor Bloomberg's ban, which was approved Sept. 13 by New York City's Board of Health, there are few convenience stores that will not be impacted: 7-elven, Starbucks, pharmacies such as Duane Reade and supermarkets.