New York City Soda Ban Essay

By Cassius O'Brien

The New York City Soda Ban, is a new law that bans soda cups with over 16 ounces from restaurants and chain restaurants that are city-regulated. The New York City Soda Ban should be opposed, because it restricts peoples right to make their own choices, it has many loop holes and it doesn't do enough to combat the epidemic of obesity in New York, and the United States. 

the NYC Soda Ban should be opposed because it restricts peoples right to choose. Liz Berman, chairwoman of New Yorkers for Beverage Choices, said that "we are smart enough to make our own decisions about what to eat or drink." She and 60% of all New Yorkers disagree with the ban. Justin Wilson, senior research analyst at the Center for Consumer Freedom says "I don't think we need the government to protect us from ourselves, I think thats rooted in paternalistic Ideology that most americans reject." Mayor Bloomberg said, "we're not trying to limit your freedom, we just want you to be aware of the effects of obesity." Mayor Bloomberg is right about getting people aware of obesity and unhealthy habits, and I think that is a good idea, but the ban only angers people. They mayor should educate people, not restrict their choices.

The NYC Soda Ban should be opposed because it inconveniences consumers and doesn't help them change their habits. Film-maker, Casey Neistat, who wrote an op/ed on this topic for the New York Times says that at 7-11 and other establishments not city regulated you can still get far above the 16 oz limit. Casey also shows that popular restaurants like subway, have been affected by the ban. You can get your food from them, go to the nearest 7-11 and buy your Big Gulp. And, as we all know, in our own homes, people can drink as many sweet beverages as they want.

I think that the ban doesn't do enough to prevent obesity. People all over NY buy high calorie large size sodas, they eat oversized portions of food, they often don't exercise enough and sometimes work in sedentary jobs. And kids often choose to play video games instead of going outside. In New Yorkers homes, they can drink as much as they want out of those giant bottles and Those bottles won't be affected by the ban. Drinking the same stuff at home has all the same dangerous effects as the drinks you buy in the restaurants and stores. 

I have noticed posters in the subway that show how much sugar or fat are in the foods we consume. the posters are done in a fun and clear way. More messages like that and more nutrition education would help more than this ban.  I think the NYC ban should be opposed because it restricts peoples right to choose to do what they want. It only prevents and doesn't educate, it doesn't do enough to prevent obesity in NYC.  The soda ban was accepted in september but still has the chance to be blocked by a judge. In your opinion, what should happen? should the judge block it, or let it pass?