According to Bloomberg news, the large-size soda ban in New York City has been blocked by a judge as of March 11 after several groups sued to stop the ban. These groups, including the American Beverage Association, called the plan an unfair burden on small businesses.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg had planned to limit the size of soft drinks sold at arenas, movie theaters, restaurants, and stadiums to 16 ounces and under. The Board of Health approved this measure in September, however, a petition was filed in October by groups representing theaters, restaurants, and beverage makers.
The petition was seeking to block the ban on the ground of 'unprecedented interference' with consumer choice. New York Supreme Court Justice Milton Tingling approved the request and issued a permanent injunction preventing the plan, which was scheduled to begin March 12. This ruling may be appealed by the city.
The city claims it is trying to stop the obesity epidemic by controlling sugary drinks, but groups argue that the ban ignores the rights of New Yorkers to make personal choices.
This case is New York Statewide Coalition of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce v. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 653584-2012, New York State Supreme Court, New York County (Manhattan).
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