Photo courtesy of the Huffington Post

On Wednesday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration announced plans to propose a municipal ban on sales of large-size sugary beverages by restaurants, mobile food carts, movie theaters and delis.

The proposal, which will be submitted on June 12, defines sugary drinks as beverages that are “sweetened with sugar or another caloric sweetener that contain more than 25 calories per 8 fluid ounces and contains less than 51 percent milk or milk substitute by volume as an ingredient.”

The measure would impact sale of containers larger than 16 ounces, but would not include diet soda or dairy-based drinks.  You can read more here.

It’s controversial for sure, and comes at a weird time, when soda sales are actually down. However, though I don’t love the fact that diet soda would continue to be sold in large sizes (it’s not like it’s been shown to be good for us), I’m actually really interested to see  the impact this proposal could have. I’m sure its critics will call it Big Brother-esqe (and I don’t totally disagree with that), but I honestly see it as, at the very least, a worthwhile public health experiment. Not to sound like a drill sergeant, but you want large portions of sugary drinks? Just buy more small containers and quit whining.

I do have to admit, though, it’s weird that Bloomberg is okay with National Donut Day, so maybe a little more consideration should have been given to the timing of this announcement.

What do you think of this proposed ban?