Proposed Ban On Large Sugary Drinks Drawing Mixed Reaction From New Yorkers
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- So how do you feel about downsizing the sugary drinks? Is Mayor Michael Bloomberg going too far?
On Thursday, CBS 2's Cindy Hsu took the pulse of the people on this beverage ban.
Jasmin Attar loves the idea, saying the whole super size concept is out of hand.
"The emphasis on oversize, bigger, more, you know, 1-pound burritos," Attar said.
She said she has no problem with the city getting involved.
"We're out of control, and I think we do need some intervention from the government," Attar said.
1010 WINS' John Montone reports
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Jessica Pruett-Barnett said she also supports the smaller drink sizes, but for financial reasons, saying the cost of the obesity epidemic trickles down to everyone.
"I don't want my healthcare options going sky high because everyone else is drinking sugary drinks," Pruett-Barnett said.
Others said it's ridiculous that such a ban is coming from the mayor.
"I have two kids grown-up already and I never bought soda in my house. I think you are responsible for your own family," Luz Yaport said.
"The people should have the freedom. We are in a free country," added Nameer Rabadi of Yonkers.
"The city shouldn't tell them what to do; they should buy what they want," said Naree Roopnarine of the Bronx.
WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reports
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CBS 2's Hsu came across Queens resident Richie Skeet inside one store and told him that the 23-ounce drink he was buying would soon be no longer available.
"That's not good, especially now because I'm working and it's hot and I need something that's going to satisfy my thirst," Skeet said.
"I guess it's good health-wise, but right now I need it. I need it, but health-wise I can agree with it."
Mini-mart manager Ali Kahn said the big sugary drinks are his biggest seller, but not good for his customers' health, so he's ready to take the financial hit and hope consumers will go the healthier route.
"Something else will sell like non-sugary items, diet will go more. It has to start from somewhere," Kahn said.
Others were mixed.
"My first reaction is, good, let's do something about it and something really drastic and then I don't like him telling me personally what to do," Queens resident Mercy Dalessandri said. "I think it's a good move. However, I also have a little hesitation because he's telling us what to do in our personal life too often."
So people are all over the place on this issue and they'll have plenty of time to mull it over, because the proposal wouldn't take effect until early next year.
Do you think it's appropriate for Mayor Bloomberg to propose restricting the size of sugary drinks? Sound off below in our comments section, and tune in later to see if we use your comment on air.
