NYC proposes to ban super size drinks

The headline reads: NYC proposes ban on sale of oversize sodas.  Naturally, my first thought was, "uh oh.  Will this apply to beer too?" (I often refer to light beer as "barley pop" so making this connection was quite reasonable.)

According to the Associated Press article by Samantha Gross, New York City's "proposal would impose a 16-ounce limit on sugary drinks sold at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts. It would apply to bottled drinks — many plastic soda bottles contains 20 ounces — as well as fountain sodas. "

The thinking is that people consume the serving amount handed to them.  There is some validity to this assumption.  In his book Mindless Eating, Brian Wansink describes food psychology research showing that the size of the container affects the amount one consumes.  We really cannot tell when we've had enough without someone telling us. (Aside: Mindless Eating is a fascinating and entertaining read!)

The New York City proposal has exceptions for grocery stores and will not apply to alcoholic beverages, so I guess my beer is OK.  (And now I am wondering about those non-alcoholic beers . . . )

Here is the New York Times article on this proposal: New York Plans to Ban Sale of Big Sizes of Sugary Drinks

Posted by Donna M. Byrne, William Mitchell College of Law