Mayor Michael Bloomberg is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to initiate a statewide ban on large sodas similar to the one that will go into effect in the five boroughs in March, NY 1 reported.
In September, the city’s Board of Health voted to approve the mayor’s ban on sugary beverages larger than 16 ounces.
The ban will go into effect on March 12 at city restaurants, movie theaters, delis, mobile food carts, stadiums, arenas and other businesses given grades by the city’s Department of Health.
Supermarkets cannot be regulated because they are overseen by the state.
In June, the city will begin fining businesses $200 if they sell the large-sized drinks.
Now, Bloomberg is calling on the state to initiate a similar ban.
“If you have a 32-ounce in front of you, you are more likely to drink the whole thing, than to have a 16-ounce and get another,” the mayor told NY 1. “But the state should do the same thing in stores.”
Cuomo has not weighed in on the mayor’s proposal, NY 1 reported.
Although Bloomberg’s plan has been popular with fitness and health experts, an August poll found that six out of 10 New York City residents opposed the ban.
