The city’s Board of Health approved Mayor Bloomberg’s cola-curbing plan today, banning sales of big sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, theaters and sports venues.
As expected, Bloomberg’s proposal passed easily — by an 8-0 vote, with one abstention.
The mayor said via Twitter that this plan “is the single biggest step any” government has taken to attack obesity.
The new regulation — which goes into effect in March — puts a 16-ounce limit on non-diet soda and sweetened teas “in fast-food joints, movie houses and Broadway theaters, workplace cafeterias and most other places selling prepared food,” according to Bloomberg.
Fizzy beverages sold in supermarkets and most convenience stores will not come under this new guideline.
The mayor is set to announce a deal, later today, with managers of the new Barclays Center, who will adhere to the big-drink ban immediately, months ahead of the March enforcement.
The new home of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team opens its doors two weeks from tomorrow, with Nets minority owner Jay-Z tipping off an eight-show run.
The health board’s one abstained vote came from Dr. Sixto Caro, who said Bloomberg’s plan doesn’t do enough to fight obesity.
“This is not comprehensive,” he said. “It’s not enough. It’s only one aspect.”
Additional reporting by David K. Li