New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing a ban on large sugary drinks in an effort to curb obesity. The plan would make it illegal for food service establishments such as restaurants, street vendors, sports venues and movie theaters to serve sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces.
The ban would apply to both bottled soda and fountain drinks containing more than 25 calories per eight ounces and would not include alcohol, fruit juices, diet soda or any beverage that is at least half milk. Grocery stores and convenience stores would be exempt.
According to Bloomberg, New York City spends $4 billion a year on health care for overweight residents and the city claims sugary drinks are the most significant factor in the increasing number of obese or overweight New Yorkers.
"Obesity deaths have grown to 5,000 and will soon exceed the number of smoking deaths [in New York City]," Bloomberg said during an interview at the All Things D Conference. "You can still be obese, we are just telling you this is detrimental to your health and helping you understand that with portion size."
Chris Rank/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The New York City Beverage Association says banning soda will not impact the city's obesity rate.
"The New York City Health Department's unhealthy obsession with attacking soft drinks is again pushing them over the top," said Stefan Friedman, spokesman for the association. "The city is not going to address the obesity issue by attacking soda because soda is not driving the obesity rates."
ABC News' Dr. Richard Besser says legislation cannot make up for personal responsibility.
"You have to want to do it and I don't think this ban is going to make people want to change their behavior." said Besser on "Good Morning America."
Some consumers agree and say the proposed ban is another example of government overstepping its bounds and infringing on consumer choice.
"I don't think it's the mayor's job to decide what sort of soft drinks that people in Manhattan or anywhere in the world want to buy," said one New Yorker.
Other New Yorkers believe the ban is a step in the right direction.
"I think it's a good way to send a message that he's supporting healthier lifestyles," said one woman.
Bloomberg has a history of enacting legislation to try to make New Yorkers healthier. Since becoming mayor, he has banned smoking in public places, outlawed trans-fats in the city's restaurants and required chain restaurants to post calorie counts.
The ban on sugary drinks requires approval from the city's Board of Health and if passed, which is considered likely because Bloomberg appointed all the board's members, it could take effect as soon as March.
ABC News' Dr. Richard Besser, Joanna Stern and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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