Board of Health Passes Mayor Mike's Jumbo Soda Ban

Enjoy those crisp, refreshing big-ass movie theater sodas while you can New York, because they're going to disappear next spring. Today the New York City Board of Health approved the Bloomberg administration's proposed ban on sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces at restaurants, movie theaters, and ballparks. The new rules will only apply to establishments with DOH inspection grades, so you'll still be able to get those yummy mega-beverages at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, and at supermarkets and bodegas.

The soda ban is part of Mayor Bloomberg's ongoing effort to curb the obesity epidemic in New York City. The soft drink industry pumped over $1 million into a PR campaign against the ban, and the drink companies will most likely try to fight this piece of administration before it goes into effect six months from now (there's still a chance that judge could oppose the ban between now and the spring). The sale of zero-calorie sodas, dairy beverages (including milkshakes), and juices will not be affected by the ban. Jamie Oliver is stoked.
· Health Board Approves Ban on Large Sugary Drinks [NYT]
· All Coverage of the Soda Ban [~ENY~]