New York State Judge Milton referred to New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s soda restrictions as “arbitrary and capricious.” As a matter of fact, according to many surveyed and those questioned “at large” within the public, over 80 percent agreed. In fact, many also feel Bloomberg’s tyrannical dictates of late regarding what New Yorkers insert into their bodies is generally out of whack. Mayor Bloomberg, never one to go peacefully into the night, is vowing to appeal the decision, believing the city of New York’s Health Department has a “legal authority” to ban certain colas and other sugary drinks over 16 ounces from being sold at fast-food joints, movie theatres, restaurants, arenas and stadiums. And that would seem to be part of the rub for many who sell such diet blasters.
The ban Bloomberg was trying to implement had exemptions for several retailers, such as the 7-Eleven convenience stores that sell something called the “Big Gulp.” Why weren’t the 7-Eleven stores banned? The 7-Eleven stores are regulated by the state of New York, not by the city of New York, which is Bloomberg’s domain. Essentially, all Bloomberg’s new ban would do is cut out some vendors, while allowing others to continue selling larger than 16-ounce drinks of any kind.
A law suit brought on by a few business association groups, including the American Beverage Association, the National Association of Theatre Owners of New York State, and the New York Korean-American Grocers Association, felt Bloomberg’s ban was going beyond simply “over-stepping” the bounds of governing by banning a product size for some, while others would not be encumbered with the same law. After Judge Milton ruled against the city ban, opponents felt vindicated and relieved.
Bloomberg’s office released information regarding the “super-sized” citizens of New York City when the Mayor first announced his plan for 2013. Citing his reasons for placing the ban, Bloomberg was quoted saying “nearly 60% of New York City adults and 40% of city schoolchildren are overweight or obese.” When considering New York City’s population, one must admit, having 60 percent of all NYC adults overweight or obese is one pile of placid phat! And it places the burden squarely back where it should be – onto the shoulders of the individual sporting a “spare tire” around their midriff.
Beyond that is the question many are asking both quietly and out loud, as did one NYC citizen interviewed by a local television station, who said this: “I don’t care how much soda people drink, there are bigger issues in this city than people drinking sugar, (or ) having more than two sugars in their coffee,” he said. “I mean, look around us. Isn’t there more that our mayor can concentrate on than sugar?”
One would certainly believe in a city with a population of 8 million “plus,” the mayor would have an agenda so full that preventing the public from purchasing “super-sized sugary drinks” would not even be on the register, let alone a priority. Bloomberg’s name has come up before as a future candidate for the Presidency. Imagine what a banning bender he could go on then!
EXTRA ADDITIONS!
The Extra has gone through a few changes the past couple of years and we continue to add new articles and sections for our readers.
The MBA columns have been well received and we plan to expand the page with Moorhead business profiles starting next week. As this section grows we would appreciate from you, our patrons, what news, events and reports you would like to see included in these Moorhead pages.
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