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Groups Rally In Support Of Mayor's Proposed Ban On Super-Sized Sugary Drinks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Several groups came together Monday to rally in support of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed ban on super-sized sugary drinks.

Demonstrators in favor of the ban gathered on the steps of City Hall demanding action.

WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reports

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"This is a health issue," said Kathy Dolgin of the group Energy Up. "It's bankrupting our country, our city. We have got to now stand up for our mayor, stand up for our health department, go into the neighborhoods and share the information that sugar is like a drug for millions of people."

The proposal would put a 16-ounce limit of sugary drinks sold at city restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts and would apply to both bottled and fountain drinks.

Kathy Dolgin
Kathy Dolgin on the steps of City Hall supporting Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed super-sized sugary drink ban on Monday, July 11, 2012 (credit: Rich Lamb/WCBS 880)

It would not include grocery or convenience stores that don't serve prepared food and wouldn't apply to diet soda, other calorie-free drinks or anything that has at least 50 percent milk or milk substitute.

1010 WINS' Stan Brooks reports

At Monday's rally, Pastor Ryan Carter said he sees the ravages of too much sugar in his congregation in the form of diabetes and obesity and said he supports the mayor's proposed ban.

"We see that ban and therefore we know the significance of this reduction and the value it will bring to our congregations," he said.

The proposal would need approval by the city's Board of Health and would take effect as soon as next March if passed.

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