SPEAK OUT: NYC May Ban Sale of Large Sugary Drinks

The nation's largest city is taking a controversial step in the fight against obesity.

New York City wants to ban the sale of sugary drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces, according to the New York Times. The proposed ban would affect virtually the entire menu of popular sugary drinks found in delis, fast-food franchises and even sports arenas, from energy drinks to pre-sweetened iced teas, the Times reported.

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The sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 fluid ounces — about the size of a medium coffee, and smaller than a common soda bottle — would be prohibited under the first-in-the-nation plan, which could take effect as soon as next March.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal requires the approval of the Board of Health, a step that is considered likely because the members are all appointed by him, and the board’s chairman is the city’s health commissioner, who joined the mayor in supporting the measure on Wednesday, the Times reported.

The New York City Beverage Association is blasting the mayor for attempting to limit the size of sweetened drinks, according to FOX news. The organization said soda is not driving the obesity rates and that "as obesity continues to rise, CDC (Centers for Disease Control) data shows that calories from sugar-sweetened beverages are a small and declining part of the American diet."