Large soda ban proposed by mayor in Cambridge, Mass., follows NYC
High-fructose corn syrup, a common sweetener found in soft drinks, has been found to interfere with memory and learning, according to a study published on May 15, 2012.
One Massachusetts mayor is following in the footsteps of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Cambridge, Mass. mayor Henrietta Davis wants to limit the size of soda and sugary beverages sold in city restaurants, according to CBS News. Davis said the resolution is an attempt to address obesity and diabetes.
"As much free will as you can have in a society is a good idea," Davis said, according to the Associated Press. "…But with a public health issue, you look at those things that are dangerous for people, that need government regulation."
The measure was inspired New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's recent proposal to ban drinks over 16 ounces, making it illegal in restaurants, movie theaters and for sale by street vendors, the New York Times reported.
More from GlobalPost: High-fructose corn syrup alters learning, memory
Cambridge is across the river from Boston and is home of a number of universities including Harvard and MIT.
Don Puzy, a manager of a local 7-Eleven told CBS the mayor's proposal "absolutely crazy."
"We appreciate her trying to do something about the kids, their weight, but that is not the way to go about it," Puzy said of the mayor's proposal. "There are a lot of programs for it … starting from the schools … Don't put it on the stores."
More from GlobalPost: Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants large sodas banned in New York