New York to ban big sodas - CNN

• The ban would apply to sodas and other sugary drinks
• Those larger than 16 ounces could not be sold
• The ban applies to restaurants and food carts, not grocery stores

New York (CNN) -- New York City is poised to ban the sale of large-sized sodas and other sugary beverages in an effort to combat rising obesity rates, a city official said Thursday.

The ban would outlaw the sale of such drinks larger than 16 ounces from restaurants, food carts and any other establishment that receives a letter grade for food service. It would not apply to grocery stores.

The New York City Board of Health will vote on the measure in June.

Broad public health initiatives have become a hallmark of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration. Under Bloomberg, the city has banned trans fats from restaurants, smoking from parks, and has placed graphic ads targeting junk food and tobacco in public transit.