Jumbo drinks banned in New York City
By Karissa Kelly
It is a hot July day and you and your friends stop to purchase a nice, big Sprite to refresh you. But wait! You may not have the privilege to indulge in this for long… At least not if you are in New York.
The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, is working on ways to improve the health of citizens, and he started by calling for a ban on jumbo-sized sodas and other sugary drinks. This regulation keeps restaurants and venues from selling 32-ounce cups or anything bigger. The mayor said, “We’re not taking away anybody’s rights to do things… We’re simply forcing you to understand that you have to make the decision to go from one cup to another cup.”
Government data shows that 41 percent of added sugars in adolescents’ diets come from sweetened drinks. So, what do teenagers think of this new law? Some believe that it is not up to the government to mandate what we drink, and others think that this is a good idea.
17-year-old Tim Hunsaker said that “it is unconstitutional for the government to tell people what they can and cannot sell or what they can and cannot buy. If people want to drink a ridiculous amount of soda and get fat, that is their choice.” Bradley Salesberry, who is also 17 years old, exclaimed that this does not allow people to think for themselves. “People are going to get fat even if that law is in place, because being obese is a choice.” He also pointed out that there are so many other fattening foods and drinks. Other teens, like Hayley Marr, simply say that “it just sucks for New Yorkers. And it’s unnecessary.”
On the other hand, Erin Dalke, 18 years old, stated that “it is a great idea, because soda is so bad for us. No other plans have helped lower obesity rates so maybe this will help.”
Regardless of our different opinions, if nothing else, this proposal is making us aware of just how unhealthy these jumbo beverages are. Although this law does not directly affect us here, there is a lot to be learned about healthful choices.
