As public-health officials praised New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal to ban the sale of large-size drinks in restaurants and other locations Thursday, some academics and business groups called the plan an ineffective way to handle the obesity crisis and criticized it as government overreach, according to The Wall Street Journal. For the full story, click here.
Editor’s Insight: You can bet that Mayor Bloomberg expected his proposed beverage ban to generate passionate opposition. The opposition has helped draw attention to his cause, for which he is sincere.
VendingMarketWatch noted yesterday when the news first hit that vending operators should not assume they won’t be affected at some point just because the ban does not presently include vending. As this controversy escalates, the rule is subject to change.
The Wall Street Journal’s coverage notes that experts don’t believe the ban will achieve its intended effect of reducing sugar consumption.
And as noted yesterday, the mayor has stated he has no problem with retailers raising prices on other beverages to make up for lost sales. This is a point that opponents of the proposed ban need to key in on; it is not intended to help consumers’ strained budgets. 06-01-12 By Elliot Maras
