The following is part of a Point-Counter Point discussing New York City’s recent ban of sugary beverages over 16 oz.
New York City has added a new regulation to a list that includes banning smoking indoors and adding a calorie count to restaurant menus: no more sugary drinks larger than 16 oz. in food establishments.
While this may seem extremely outlandish, I know it will be a good decision in the long run.
The ban on sugared drinks will set a great example for the rest of the United States and help promote awareness about the obesity epidemic in this nation.
For those complaining about the law, I ask – really?
You’re going to be devastated now that you can’t get an extra large 300 calorie Mountain Dew with your 700 calorie Big Mac?
Please, tell me why you need a 20 oz. soda again.
Once consumers realize that the government is concerned about their health and wants to help people, they might become more aware of what these sugar-ridden sodas are doing to their bodies.
Then, maybe, they’ll make better dietary choices.
But this isn’t the first time NYC has enforced a ban that aims to help people and received negative feedback in return.
When N.Y. outlawed smoking inside public establishments, New Yorkers put up the exact same fight they’re putting up now with sugared beverages. They wanted the government out of their business.
However, that ban has reduced non-smoker exposure to secondhand smoke, and has forced smokers to wait their cigarette craving out before lighting up indoors.
We all knew smoking was bad for us. N.Y. just did something about it. And now they’re doing something about obesity in America.
There’s nothing wrong with government interference if they are making our lives better.
Still putting up a fight?
Well, there are always free refills.
Suglia, a sophomore journalism major from Pinehurst, is a blogger.