Mayor Bloomberg today called on the state to follow the city’s lead by banning the sale of sugary sodas in sizes larger than 16 ounces in all stores, not just restaurants.
The city’s new law takes effect March 12 in food establishments regulated by the Health Department.
Supermarkets, groceries and shops where prepared foods constitute less than 50 percent of sales are not affected because they’re overseen by the state Agriculture Department and the city doesn’t have jurisdiction.
Individual pizza parlors would have to obey the new law, even when it comes to deliveries.
At a press conference today, the mayor was asked why pizza shops shouldn’t be in the same category as supermarkets, where customers would still be able to walk out with all the two-liter soda bottles they could carry.
“You have exactly the right question, but you’re asking it the wrong way,” the mayor said.
“Keep in mind we’re trying to save the lives of these kids, particularly kids…The state should do exactly the same thing in stores.”
Gov. Cuomo’s office said it was preparing a response.
Bars and nightclubs would also have to get rid of their large sodas under the city’s new policy.
Bloomberg said he couldn’t understand how that could be a big deal.
“If you’re going to drink more than 16 ounces of alcohol with something in it, you’re not going to get out of the bar,” he said. “Or maybe you’re going to go out on a stretcher.”
Large bottles of soda are usually part of the set-up when patrons at trendy bars shells out hundreds of dollars for “bottle service.”