Dept. of Health OKs soda ban, schedules public hearing
Twenty-ounce bottles of regular and diet soda for sale at a Manhattan deli in NYC (Getty) Credit: Twenty-ounce bottles of regular and diet soda for sale at a Manhattan deli in NYC (Getty)
The supersize soda ban is a step closer to reality.
The city's Department of Health unanimously approved Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal Tuesday and have scheduled a public hearing for July 24 at its Long Island City offices.
Although some members of the department's board questioned why the mayor targeted only sugary drinks that are 16 ounces or greater and not other fatty foods, they ultimately agreed it was a positive step in the obesity fight.
The ban, which would go into effect next March, doesn't need City Council approval but the department does want to get feedback from New Yorkers before it finalizes the ban in September.
People can also submit their feedback at nyc.gov/nycrules.
Potential mayoral candidate Christine Quinn, the City Council speaker, has opposed the ban, but her expected rivals in the 2013 race -- Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Manhattan Borough president Scott Stringer -- have endorsed it.
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